Fruit kumquat - what is it? How is kumquat? Useful properties of kumquat

The content of modern counters is very diverse, but still can surprise. Not so long ago, a very interesting fruit began to appear all over the place, with a strange name called kumquat. How he is eaten and what he in general represents, will be told in the article.

general description

In stores, kumquat is sold in fresh or dried form. This is a small fruit (the size of a large walnut) elongated shape and bright orange color. They are covered with dense skin, like an orange or a mandarin. This is not surprising, because they all belong to the same genus - Citrus. Kumquat, one might say, is their younger brother. Inside it consists of the same lobules, only smaller.

You can find other names of fruit: kinkan, fruit of wise men, gold or Japanese orange. Its Latin name is Fortunella.

Why is kumquat useful for humans?

These miniature fruits are just a storehouse of vitamins. Thanks to this kumquat not only replenishes the supply of nutrients, but also strengthens the body as a whole. It also inhibits the development of fungi and many bacteria harmful to humans. The use of kinkan stimulates the immune system and helps fight various infections.

Kumquat stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, which activates the digestive process, and also speeds up the metabolism. Many problems with the gastrointestinal tract can be solved if you use this fruit. Kumquat also prevents many dangerous diseases, for example, stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers.

Invaluable benefit brings kinkan to intellectual workers. Due to the fact that it contains a lot of nutrients and essential oils, it activates the work of the brain. Because of this effect, fortunella is also called the "food of the wise."

This fruit can be used as one of the elements in the treatment of various diseases associated with mental, nervous or mental overstrain. A bright and fragrant fruit will help to drive away depression, apathy, neurosis and fatigue. This effect is due not only to a large number of vitamins, but also by the combination of a cheerful orange color with an invigorating citrus aroma.

You can make a tincture, which includes honey and this fruit. Kumquat in this form will have a powerful cleansing effect. Tincture will reduce the content of bad cholesterol and clean the blood vessels, which will be an excellent prevention of heart disease and circulatory system.

Kinkan is well known as an antioxidant. It helps to remove toxins and other harmful substances from the body. After a feast, it is recommended to eat this fruit. Kumquat will help get rid of hangover syndrome.

Composition of kumquat

Thanks to what substances does the fruit bring so much benefit? First of all it's vitamins. Live, natural, not synthetic. It contains almost all the vitamins of group B: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, as well as vitamins A, C, E, P. Their combination provides good digestibility. In addition to vitamins, kumquat can boast of a large number of minerals (copper, calcium, potassium, zinc, sodium, iron, phosphorus) and pectin substances.

The multivitamin "blow" is supplemented with a lot of essential oils, thanks to which the fruits have a pleasant aroma (pinene, limonene, karyophyllene, etc.). In kumquat, there are antioxidants such as lutein and carotene. In addition, it is rich in thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, and pantothenic acid.

Application of kumquat

Here everything is very simple. Kumquat is widely used in cooking. How is it eaten? Simply cut into slices together with the skin. It also contains many useful substances. The fruit itself is sour, but the skin is sweet, so it turns out a very interesting and rich combination with a tart taste. Many are delighted, having tried only a couple of lobules. Do not eat seeds, because they are bitter and can spoil the whole taste.

Of the more acidic varieties, you can prepare marmalade, jam or candied fruit. Often the juice of kumquat is used in sauces. It gives an interesting note to the dishes. Also, the lobules will become an excellent ornament of fruit cutting. You can add kinkan in salad as a dressing. It gives an unforgettable aroma to dishes.

Fortunella oil is well known in aromatherapy. It has a calming effect, helps relieve stress, reduces anxiety, and combats depression.

The fruit is also used in the production of alcoholic beverages. The liqueur with kumquat is especially famous. In Europe, kinkan is used as a snack for martini. A curious alternative to olives.

Dried kumquat

Often on the shelves you can see dried kumquat. The price of it is not too different from the cost of fresh. Benefits in dried fruits are also quite a lot. The content of vitamins does not decrease, they become more concentrated. Due to this, the properties of kinkana become more pronounced.

Dried fruits can be used in various dishes, compotes. You can make tinctures. Especially useful is the peel: it emits a large number of essential oils that have a bactericidal effect. If you put the skin against the fire, the antibacterial properties will improve. Therefore, during the flu season and colds it will be useful to decompose in the cleaning apartment and inhale their fragrance.

Kumquat as a plant

Kinkan is used not only in the food industry. It is often grown as an ornamental plant on private plots or at home, without even guessing about all its benefits. During the flowering period, it produces a delicate citrus aroma, which has a beneficial effect on the human nervous system. This small plant can easily fit on the windowsill. Sometimes it even gives fruits at home. Well, your fruit - not a couple of purchased. However, houses are grown more for decorative purposes.

Such a wonderful fruit is kumquat. From all sides useful, having only one contraindication: individual intolerance or allergy to citrus fruits. In other cases, it is not only possible, but also it is necessary to eat. To be ashamed of his little notoriety is not worth it. By the way, this is not an overseas wonder, kumquats grow not only in the US, China or Japan, but also in the territory of our country - in the Krasnodar Territory.