Citrus Japonica - Kumquat

Citrus Japonica, generally known as Kumquat, is a fruit -bearing plant from the Rutaceae family, which is valued for its small, edible fruits and decorative purposes. This plant is native to the moderate regions of East Asia and has found recognition worldwide due to its diverse use of use both in the kitchen and in traditional medicine.

Botanical characteristics

Citrus Japonica is an evergreen tree or shrub that can reach heights of up to 4 meters. Its branches are often thorny and wear shiny, dark green leaves. The fruits of the cumquad are small, oval compared to other citrus fruits and have a bright orange color. A remarkable feature is that the entire fruit, including the shell, is edible, which distinguishes it from other citrus fruits.

Origin and distribution

Citrus Japonica originally comes from China, but was introduced early in other parts of East Asia such as Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Today, the cumquad is grown in many subtropical and moderate regions of the world, including in the United States, Europe and Australia.

Cultural meaning

The cumquad not only has a culinary meaning, but is also valued for their symbolic importance in different cultures. In Chinese culture in particular, the kumquat is considered a symbol of happiness and is often used as a decoration during the Chinese New Year to symbolize prosperity and happiness in the coming year.

Use and use

The fruits of the Citrus Japonica are both freshly eaten and used for the preparation of jams, jellies and sweets. Due to their sweet and sour taste, they are also suitable for the production of drinks and cocktails. In addition, the plant is estimated in traditional medicine for its supposed health benefits, including promoting digestion and strengthening the immune system.

Cultivation and care

Citrus Japonica thrives best in well -permeable soils and needs a lot of sunlight to produce fruit. It is relatively easy to care for and can be grown in moderate climates outdoors, while in colder regions the cultivation in pots or containers is recommended, which can be brought inside to avoid frost damage in winter.