Dried kumquat: benefits and harms to the body

Kumquat refers to citrus. Outwardly, it resembles an orange, but it has edible peel and bones. It tastes bitter, but the peel of this fruit is quite sweet.

Kumquat is a fairly small fruit of an elongated shape. It is used in cooking - it is part of confectionery, seasonings, juices and even jams. It can be pickled, baked and canned. Dried kumquat is also very popular.

Dried kumquat is a variety of dried fruits that are obtained by drying the fruits of shrubs of the genus Fortunella. They are dried (under certain conditions) together with the peel of the fruit. Dried fruits taste a little sour.

The homeland of citrus is considered South Asia. The first mention in history of him appeared in the XXII century. In addition, it is known that these fruits were seen in India, and in Japan, and even in Australia. Already then they had very wide popularity.

The average cost of kumquat in Russia

The average cost of kumquat in Moscow is about 500 rubles per kg. It can be purchased cheaper if you buy in bulk. Then its price will be about 300 rubles per kg.

Types of Dried Kumquat

There are many types of dried kumquat. They can be dried, as well as dried as a whole or in rifled form. The most common type of product is candied fruit. To cook them, the fruits are boiled in sugar syrup, and then dried.

In addition, kumquat has a different color. He might be:

• yellow;
• orange
• in red;
• green.

The most common dried fruits are yellow and orange. Often on the shelves you can see kumquat, which has a saturated color. This is due to the fact that it was saturated with dyes. Real dried kumquat has a pale tint.

Why dried kumquat of different colors

Red as well as green kumquat is obtained by dyeing it with various chemicals to attract customers' attention to products.

Composition and calorie content

100 g of fresh product contains:

• 1.88 g of protein;
• 0.86 g of fat;
• 9.4 g of carbohydrates.

80% fresh citrus consists of water.

Calorie content of kumquat depends on its shelf life and method of preparation. Typically, fresh and frozen fruits have the same calorie content. It is 71 kcal per 100 g. In the case when kumquat is dried, the calorific value rises sharply to 283 kcal per 100 g.

Per 100 g of dried product are:

• 3.8 g of protein;
• 0 g of fat;
• 80.1 g of carbohydrates.

These data are relevant in relation to those products in which sugar is not present. With its presence in the composition, the calorie content of the product increases.

Kumquat fruits are valuable in that they contain a fairly large list of vitamins, various minerals, essential oils and amino acids that are necessary in the fight against diseases. Kumquat is especially useful for colds, as it, like all citrus fruits, is enriched with vitamin C.

Useful properties of dried kumquat

General benefit

Today, kumquat can be attributed to one of the most useful products. In some countries, it is used in the treatment of diseases and for their prevention. It has a number of properties useful to the human body.

1. In dried kumquat, you can find a huge amount of vitamins that will be useful for the prevention of colds and viral diseases.This is especially true for vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. Brewing tea with dried peel or making inhalation, you can say goodbye to a cold. Kumquat and honey tincture relieves cough easily.
2. Potassium, which is also present in kumquat, helps people suffering from a malfunction of the cardiovascular system. He, constantly entering the human body, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, makes them more elastic, normalizes cholesterol. Kumquat is useful for people suffering from high or low blood pressure.
3. Fruits are used in the treatment of foot fungus and inflammatory diseases. In general, kumquat carries a lot of vitamins for the human body.
4. An interesting fact is that this dried fruit is an indispensable tool in the fight against a hangover. Having chewed the fruits, a person forgets about his poor health.
5. Kumquat solves problems with the digestive system, improving the intestinal microflora and helping to get rid of prolonged constipation. This is because in 8 fruits about 10 g of fiber. In addition, it normalizes the processes of exchange.
6. The fetus improves brain function, thereby contributing to the acceleration of mental activity.
7. Dried kumquat can be effective in treating depression and fatigue.
8. Kumquat is a great way to prevent cancer. Vitamins A, C and E protect the body from free radicals that damage the DNA of cells.
9. The product helps to reduce the development of kidney stones. This is due to the fact that kumquat has a very high concentration of citric acid.
10. Dried fruits provide bone strength due to the presence of calcium. The greater the supply of calcium in the human body, the faster the bones are restored in adulthood.
11. Fruits help maintain the beauty and health of the skin. Various antioxidants and vitamins protect the skin from sun exposure and other harmful effects. Regular use slows down the appearance of wrinkles and spots. In addition, kumquat is a good helper in the fight against dry skin. It contributes to its hydration.
12. Kumquat preserves the beauty of teeth and hair. This is due to the presence in its composition of a large number of minerals that affect the quality, structure and strength of the hair. Vitamin C, calcium and potassium are responsible for dental health. They protect the oral cavity from infections, make teeth stronger.
13. Citrus brings great benefits to vision. The beta-carotene present in this product slows down the oxidative process in the cells. As a result, the risk of cataract disease is reduced.

Fact! Dried kumquat has the same list of nutrients as fresh kumquat. Its plus is that it is in dried form that it is stored longer.

For women

In the life of women, this fetus plays an important role. It is them who kumquat brings the greatest benefit, namely:

• helps in the fight against irritability and nervousness;
• accelerates the metabolism, thereby is effective in losing weight;
• helps to solve problems with the condition of the skin, hair and nails;
• perfectly copes with the prevention of thrush;
• slows down the aging process.

For men

Kumquat has the same benefits for the male body as for the female. But to this list is added that the fetus improves potency in men.

During pregnancy

Due to the high content of vitamins and minerals, it copes with toxicosis. In addition, kumquat is useful for pregnant women in that it inhibits the development of varicose veins. But the use of kumquat should be limited in the last trimester, so that the child does not develop an allergy. In addition, kumquat is useful for pregnant women in that it inhibits the development of varicose veins.

Eating these dried fruits in moderate amounts, as nutritionists believe, will only benefit the body of the expectant mother.

When breastfeeding

Despite the fact that kumquat is a rather useful product, it is better to refuse to eat it when breastfeeding.This should be done to prevent the child from developing allergies, diathesis, or upset gastrointestinal tract.

For kids

Children under 3 years of age are strictly prohibited from using any kind of kumquat. By five or six years, a child can eat 4-5 fruits a day, but this is possible only in the absence of allergies.

When losing weight

Kumquat is an effective dietary product, as it is low in calories. It can be entered into absolutely any diet. It helps to fight:

• with a slowed metabolism;
• excess water in the body and harmful substances;
• hunger.

Losing weight with it can be done in a couple of weeks. You just need to remove flour, sweet and fatty foods from your diet. For the first week, you can already lose 4-5 kg, if you include this product in the composition of the consumed dishes.

Cooking use

The fruits of kumquat have found their application in the cuisine of Southeast Asia, now it is increasingly gaining popularity in other countries. Dried fruit is consumed less often than fresh.

Kumquat can be added to various salads in fresh and dried form. It is part of the most unusual pastries and snacks. This is marmalade, jelly, candied fruit and ice cream. In addition, it is believed that it can be added in mashed potatoes. It will add some uniqueness and interesting taste to the dish. The fruit has found its application in the decoration of gourmet dishes and cocktails.

This citrus undergoes the process of sugaring, alcoholization and drying. It makes very tasty sweets that confectioners prefer to fill with chocolate icing, sweet soufflé, candied fruit, casseroles. The list of sweets can be listed endlessly.

Interestingly, kumquat is also used in the preparation of a variety of sauces for meat, fish and vegetables. More often such sauces are used for baking or stewing. They add a sweet and sour taste to the dish. The combination of kumquat with meat, fish and vegetables is incomparable. This is delicious! This fruit adds freshness and sophistication to various dishes. An important advantage of kumquat can be called the fact that it retains all the useful properties during heat treatment.

Very often, various alcoholic drinks are made on the basis of kumquat: tinctures, liquor, cocktails.

Popular Kumquat Recipes

Kumquat Curd Casserole

First you need to prepare all the ingredients. It:

• cottage cheese - 600 g;
• egg - 2 pcs.;
• butter - 10 g;
• semolina - 80 g;
• vanilla sugar;
• sugar - 100 g;
• milk - 10 ml;
• kumquat - 150 g

Process:

1. To start, grind the cottage cheese with eggs. Add semolina and milk to the resulting mixture. All mix well.
2. After obtaining a uniform consistency, add kumquat, vanilla sugar and gradually flour. Mix everything into a uniform mass.
3. Pour the resulting dough into a mold and send in a preheated oven for half an hour. Done!
4. Wait until the casserole has cooled and sprinkle with powdered sugar on top before serving.

Kumquat Chicken in Cream Sauce

The composition includes:

• orange - 1 pc.;
• kumquat - 100 g;
• fillet - 700 g;
• turmeric - 0.5 tsp;
• vegetable oil;
• paprika - 0.5 tsp;
• cream - 250 ml;
• garlic - 1 clove;
• rum - 100 ml;
• salt pepper.

Cooking:

1. Rinse the chicken and dry with kitchen cloths.
2. Put the pan immediately to warm up with sunflower oil. Put chicken on it. Add salt, pepper. Fry over low heat.
3. Rinse kumquat in hot water, cut into circles. Peeling is not necessary.
4. The next step is to chop the garlic and add it to the meat.
5. Pour orange juice into the pan, add paprika and turmeric.
6. Add cream last. Mix the resulting mixture. Stew for another 5 minutes. It is advisable to serve with rice or potatoes.

Kumquat Jam

Ingredients:

• Kumquat - 0.5 kg.
• Sugar - 250 g.
• Water - 50 ml.

Cooking jam costs three times for 5 minutes.

Process:

1. Select kumquat fruits and pour them into a deep bowl to rinse thoroughly. Cut each fruit into 4 parts, remove the seeds. Then pour them into the cauldron. In case there is no cauldron, you can use the usual pan.
2. Fall asleep with sugar. Pour water into this mixture, mix everything carefully and put the cauldron on the stove.
3. Cook to a boil, then reduce the power of the fire. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Then turn off the stove and cool the mixture for 1 hour.
4. Then warm it again and cook for 5 minutes, then cool again and wait 1 hour.
5. The final stage is the heating of the mixture for the third time. After that, the pieces of kumquat will already be transparent, and the volume of syrup will decrease.

Kumquat, arugula and asparagus salad

Components:

• kumquat - 150 g;
• fillet - 50 g;
• olive oil - 1 tbsp;
• ground black pepper;
• arugula - 1 bunch;
• salt;
• green asparagus - 200 g;
• orange - 1 pc.;
• balsamic cream sauce - 1 tsp;
• mustard - 1 tsp;
• honey - 2 tbsp .;
• soy sauce - 2 tablespoons

Process:

1. Cook all the foods. Grate chicken with salt and pepper. Then bake in the oven for about 30 minutes at 200 ° C.
2. While the chicken is baking, prepare a dressing. Combine honey, mustard, soy and balsamic sauce. Squeeze the juice from the orange.
3. Dry the washed asparagus with a kitchen towel and cut into 2-3 parts. Cut kumquat into thin rings.
4. Fry the asparagus in olive oil for about 4–5 minutes. Fry kumquat in the same pan. Add orange juice there.
5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
6. After cooking the chicken, cut it into small pieces. Serve with arugula.
7. Put kumquat on top and pour everything over with hot saucepan from the pan. Salad is preferably served warm.

Harm and contraindications

Kumquat refers to exotic fruits. That is why its use in large quantities can lead to not very good consequences.

It's important to know:

1. Kumquat is an allergen. In the presence of allergic reactions, citrus should be introduced into the diet gradually, while controlling the reaction of the body.
2. A previously unused product for pregnant and lactating mothers is harmful. It can cause diathesis and allergies in a child.
3. Kumquat is especially dangerous for people with high acidity of gastric juice.
4. The presence of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers or gastritis, suggests that you should refrain from this product. Digestive tract irritation may occur.
5. Kumquat poses a particular threat in the presence of inflammation of the genitourinary system. It can make things worse.
6. People prone to excess weight gain and diabetics are contraindicated in this dried product, as it is quite high-calorie.

How to choose and store

Citrus is sold in various supermarkets, in the department of exotic fruits. When buying a kumquat, the store should pay attention to its appearance.

1. On the fetus should not be dents, cracks, various spots and injuries of a different kind.
2. The pronounced color of the fetus indicates that it was stained with various chemicals. This kumquat has a pale color.
3. Fruits should not be too hard to the touch. This may be evidence that the product is most likely not mature enough.
4. Also, you should not choose too soft fruit. This is because such a product is most likely overripe or even spoiled.

Fresh kumquat fruit is stored in the refrigerator for 7-14 days, at room temperature - a little less, namely 3-4 days. It can also be stored frozen. Frozen kumquat puree is stored for up to 6 months. When dried, the shelf life of the product is significantly increased up to 2 months.

How to Dry Kumquat

You can dry kumquat at home. Of course, you can buy it in a store, but isn’t it more interesting to cook it yourself? In this case, you do not have to doubt the quality of kumquat and its usefulness. By the way, lemons are often dried along with this citrus. It turns out a very tasty product that can be stored for a long time and enjoy the whole winter.

To make dried kumquat at home, you can follow our recommendations below:

1. First, prepare all the necessary products, namely kumquat. It is necessary to take the amount of citrus that is planned to be dried. You should not take too many fruits, as they can deteriorate. Rinse and cut them into four parts.
2. The next step is to spread the fruits in an electric dryer. An important condition is that the electric dryer must be absolutely clean, there should not be any external odors in it, otherwise they may be absorbed into the kumquat. Arrange so that between the pieces there is a small distance.
3. Turn on the dryer. Set it to 135 ° C. Dry the kumquat for 6 hours. Fruits will shrink and become drier.
4. After drying, put in bags. Store dried kumquat in a dry, dark place for about two months, no more.

How to grow kumquat at home

There are not many nuances in growing kumquat, especially if you have experience in caring for other citruses. The technique is very similar to growing lemon and tangerine.

Where to plant a seedling

The plant loves the sun's rays, but do not place the seedling under the scorching sun. A windowsill is a good option. In summer, you can safely take the plant to the street, but only in places where the rays of the daylight do not fall.

Temperature and humidity

1. Kumquats prefer warm weather. The ideal temperature for normal plant development is 18–20 ° C. If the plant has already grown, the temperature should be increased to 23 ° C.
2. In winter, the plant should be in a cool environment.
3. Kumquat loves humid air. It is necessary to moisten it additionally if it is dry enough. Otherwise, kumquat begins to die in dry air.

Interesting Kumquat Facts

1. To taste, kumquat resembles sour mandarin.
2. It is eaten along with the peel, since it is it that is sweet. In China, the fruit is called the golden apple, and in Japan - the golden mandarin.
3. The fruits are distinguished by the presence of a huge amount of essential oils in their composition. That is why the fruits smell delicious.
4. The fruit is very small in size for the citrus family.
5. Kumquat can be used in absolutely any form - both fresh and processed.
6. Kumquat creates a good mood, beneficially affecting the nervous system.
7. The fetus solves memory problems. It activates the activity of the brain.
8. Kumquat promotes weight loss and is an indispensable product in the diet of diabetics.
9. Citrus eliminates all the symptoms of a hangover. In China, after various celebrations, the next day must be treated with kumvkat. To eliminate the feeling of well-being, it is enough to eat 3-4 pieces.

Photo of dried kumquat