K is for Kumquat - A to Z Challenge 2015

The Kumquat is native to Asia and the Asia Pacific region. They have been cultivated in many countries for a very long time. They were introduced to Europe in 1846 by Robert Fortune, collector for the London Horticultural Society, and shortly thereafter into North America. The edible fruit apparently resembles an orange in flavour although very much smaller, about the size of an olive, and comes in round or oval shapes. They are frequently used as candies or used in jams and preserves. Grown in the Southern States, they have also been used to flavour Martinis instead of the ubiquitous olive. There is much interesting information in the Wikipedia article. The fruit is celebrated annual in Dade City, Florida with a Kumquat Festival. It seems to me that it is very much under appreciated in many areas. I must see if I can find them locally.

There are many recipes using Kumquats, but this is one from the Kumquat Growers based in Florida. They have lots of recipes on their website.

Kumquat Refrigerator Pie

• 1 baked pie crust, 9 "
• 1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip whipped topping
• 2/3 cup puréed Kumquats
• 1 can condensed milk
• 1/2 cup lemon juice

Beat condensed milk and whipped topping. Add lemon juice and beat until thickened. Add pureed kumquats, pour in pie shell and chill in refrigerator for several hours.

Kumquat Purée Preparation

Wash fruit, cut in half and remove seeds. Place in blender or food chopper (A blender makes a finer puree). Do not cook. Use puree in recipes as called for or freeze in zip-lock bags or other freezer containers. Frozen kumquat puree can be stored for six months or more. When you use frozen puree .. defrost and drain the excess liquid before using.

Have a great day