When I saw them at the market last week, I bought them knowing I would do something with them, but not quite sure what. After searching, I decided a marmalade would be the best way to enjoy them. The Trout and I did "pop" a few into our mouths whole. They are sweet/sour and with no need to peel them. They do look like little oranges, but are not even related.
The kumquat originated in SE Asia and has been cultivated in China since the 12th century. Kumquats came to the US in 1850. There are four varieties and Nagami is grown primarily in Florida and California.
I found a recipe here and followed it. This morning for breakfast we tested it. It was okay...the Trout said he tasted a strange spice. I did not add spices. I am guessing we were both thinking orange marmalade and it did not taste like orange at all. The kumquat is unique to itself.
I would not say rush out to make kumquat marmalade, my little chickadee, but if you do have a chance to try it, please do.
I am hoping to try cooking new foods to me this year. Two items I have not liked very much are kale and collard greens. In all honesty, I love ALL foods, so I am determined to conquer these two 'green' leafy items to a tolerable side dish.
Thank you for all the information; like you I see them at the supermarket and not too sure about them. I also want to try new things this year.
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I added kale to my last pot of lentil soup and thought it was delicious. It definitely added a different flavor and we liked it. I tried making candied kumquats several years ago and thought they were awful. I do like to try new things - some are better than others.
ReplyDeleteKale and collard greens - two greens that are never on the menu here. I wonder why not? We tried to grow kale this year but the weather was uncooperative and our garden did very badly. I'll take your word on kumquats and if I see the marmalade at a market I'll pick some up, but I don't think I'll make it!
ReplyDeleteOh, Susan, I LOVE both kale and collard greens. Kale is very versatile and I'm sure you have seen the kale chips recipe. I haven't tried it that way, but I'm sure I would love it and it seems like a good recipe to 'start' to like it (how could it go wrong with sea salt, olive oil and being like a chip?).
ReplyDeleteI will admit, I've never figured out what to do with a kumquat! I had no idea you could just pop them in your mouth. I'm going to have to give that a try! Thanks for another introduction to something I have not tried! blessings ~ Tanna
They did have them in Wisconsin, either.... I've never tasted one. Now, I'm intrigued.
ReplyDeleteI love kumquats. We used to get masses in S.A. and I just used to eat them skin and all as you say. Back on line at last but so much to catch up with! Diane
ReplyDeleteLOL! You crack me up, Susan... "I would not say rush out to make kumquat marmalade, my little chickadee."
ReplyDeleteI've tasted them but can't say I'd rush back to buy any. And actually, it's not like there's a big supply of them here. I like most foods too but, let me know how the kale and collard greens are.
Here's wishing you and the Trout a fantastic 2012, my friend!!!
I've yet to taste a kumquat! I'm feel ashamed :(
ReplyDeleteKale and Collard Greens - I get them from the CSA farm I belong to...Kale I've always loved. I grew it in my garden and enjoyed the fact that I could harvest it with snow on its leaves, but that would not be much of a selling point to people who live in Florida! I love the Tuscan soup from Olive garden which has kale and sausage in it, and kale and potatoes and sausage is a great dinner.
ReplyDeleteBut I never ate collard greens until a few years ago when it started appearing in my veggie box. And I love it too........Even more than kale. And they are both so full of good nutrients. I think a long slow cooking helps a lot. Ken from the St. Aignan blog has some good posts about collards.
HI Susan,
ReplyDeleteI love to try new things but have never ventured any recipes with kumquats! I do love kale though especially in soups and roasted as a snack. Your pictures are so pretty!
I've never tasted a kumquat! Not sure I want to either :) Try kale in soup, such as a minestrone. That's how I like it.
ReplyDeleteWe had a kumquat tree in our backyard, they are a pretty fruit. I remember having them candied, they would be good served on a cheese plate. I admire your adventure making kumquat marmalade!
ReplyDeleteI used to have a bowl of them during Christmas and my granddaughter would bite in to every one! :)
ReplyDeleteLove new ways to use kumquats, Susan.
Happy New Year to you and the Trout!
I've eaten kumquats from a tree, but have never bought any. Kale is a favorite - when it's available I put it into most every soup I make!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have some kumquat jam for my toast. I'll have to check my local store to see if they have any. Yum!
ReplyDeleteInteresting and very colourful.
ReplyDeletei believe you made a great choice with what to make with your quats! Very tasty that way....and, I also love the greens,both kinds!I can never get enough!
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Heather! Please email me when you can, I have a question about your blog!
ReplyDeleteHeatherVonSJ[at]gmail[dot]com
Dear Susan, I'm hoping all is well with you! (I worry too much.)
ReplyDeleteWe have a friend who delivered a bag of kumquats to us from their tree. Did not have a clue what to do with them. I finally preserved them (whole) in a sugar syrup. I am hoping to cook with them.
ReplyDeleteI have loquat trees in my yard, and the kumquat is a cousin. They grow very well here in North Florida.
Glad to know of your experiene with kunquat marmalade. I was thinking of trying some but I think I'll stick to my 4 citrus one instead. Your photo of them in the dish is beautiful though.
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