Each Fall we keep a sharp eye out for kumquats to come back into season, and in Spring we treasure them as we prepare to say “farewell” for a few months. We’ve noticed many of our students don’t realize these adorable fruits may be eaten whole, peel and all! At once sweet and tart, it’s as if all the personality of an entire orange has been packed into a grape-sized orb. We relish them while we can, storing up our kumquat reserves until we meet again next year. The candying method below will help you to prolong their precious season for a few weeks.

Here are 5 of our favorite ways to enjoy kumquats:

1. Candied (see recipe below), then sliced to top bowls of granola or yogurt, pavlovas, or layer in a trifle with slices of cake & billowy whipped cream
2. As a cheerful garnish for cocktails, made with the candied kumquat syrup
3. Eaten whole as a healthy snack (watch out for seeds!)
4. Chopped for fruit salsa: Mix with diced red onion, some minced serrano or jalapeño, a pinch of salt and a big squeeze of lime juice, and serve with grilled or roasted asparagus, fish or chicken
5. Halved and arranged, cut sides down on top of sugar, as the decorative base of an upside down cake

And there you have it! We’d love to hear from you. Show us how you’re using up your kumquats on instagram with #TCKatHome, or email us with recipes or questions. We’re here to help!