Kumquats - Small Citrus - Big Flavor!

Last season we had more of these little beauties than I could possibly can. This year the trees are bare and did not produce anything. Working with this little citrus can be time consuming getting out the seeds but using them in dessert recipes whole is a special treat for those who are lucky enough to get them.

Candied Kumquats

4 cups of fresh kumquats
2 cups sugar 
2/3 cups water
With a small, sharp knife, make and "X" in each kumquat. In a large saucepan, place the kumquats and cover them with cold water. Set aside.
In a saucepan, stir together the sugar and 2/3 cup of water until all of the sugar is moistened and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Stop stirring and continue cooking for 1 or 2 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. Drain the water from the kumquats that you set aside and add the kumquats to the sugar mixture and allow them to simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat.

Candied Kumquat Cheesecake from www.bakingobsession.com 

Ladle the Kumquat into hot jars and then pour the syrup over them leaving 1/2 headspace. Remove air bubbles and refill to headspace if necessary. Wipe rims and add hot lid/ring. Process them in a water bath at a full boil for 10 minutes. Makes 2 pints.

For really good marmalade you need to be diligent about getting out the seeds. This next recipe is a two day process but the results are a really yummy spread with some tartness for those who love a true marmalade.

Kumquat Marmalade

Makes about 4 half pints.

6 cups kumquats -measured whole

4 cups granulated sugar 

4 cups cold water

Day 1: Wash the kumquats in a sink full of water. 

Take a thin slice off the ends of each kumquat, then slice it into slices. Toss the ends (they will make it bitter). Pick out as many seeds as you can find as you cut them. Put the fruit and water in a large nonreactive bowl and stir gently to combine. Cover and let stand for about 12 hours or overnight.

Day 2: Drain the kumquats and cook in a dutch oven or stainless steel pot on medium heat for 15 minutes. Adding the sugar until fruit is quite tender. Continue to cook the mixture at a  boil till the mixture reaches 220 degrees or until the syrup gells when tested. (see sheet or freezer plate method on the front page of this site at the bottom). At this point you can either mix with an immersion blender or keep the slices in the jam.

Ladle into hot jars. (Don't forget to take out the air and wipe the rims down before you put on the hot lids and rings). Water bath at boiling for 10 minutes. Let sit on the counter on a dish towel till room temperature... Make sure your lids have sealed!

Sandy T.'s Homemade Kumquat Marmalade!