Affectionately known as “the little gems of the citrus family,” the kumquat is native to China and its name means “gold orange” in Chinese. Shaped like a small oval orange, the kumquat is seen as a lucky symbol for Lunar New Year symbolizing gold and wealth. Families will decorate their house with kumquat trees to invite luck into the home.

Kumquats have been growing in North America, particularly in California, Florida and Texas, since the mid-19th Century.

What makes this citrus fruit unique is that the whole fruit, including the peel, is eaten. The peel is rich in numerous essential oils, anti-oxidants and fiber. They can be candied, preserved, pickled, or used in sauces. But in order to get the best nutrients of this fruit, it’s best to enjoy it raw. Kumquats are rich in vitamin C and contain good levels of  B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, folates and pantothenic acid.