What better way to bring in the New Year than with Kumquats or Cumquats. Originally from China, Kumquats are a tart citrus fruit. Kumquat shrubs are a low growing evergreen and range from 2.5 – 4.5m in height.
Following is from Wikipedia
Kumquats are often eaten raw. As the rind is sweet and the juicy centre is sour and salty, the raw fruit is usually consumed either whole — to savour the contrast — or only the rind is eaten. The fruit is considered ripe when it reaches a yellowish-orange stage and has just shed the last tint of green. The Hong Kong Kumquat has a rather sweet rind compared to the rinds of other citrus fruits.
Culinary uses include: candying and kumquat preserves, marmalade, and jelly. Kumquats have begun to appear as a martini garnish, in lieu of the classic olive. They can also be sliced and added to salads. A liqueur can be made by macerating kumquats in vodka or other clear spirit.
In popular culture Kumquat are a Zurich based Swiss group who produce techno/ lounge house music.
