Limequat is a small, refreshing and exotic citrus that was born as a cross between lime and kumquat. A very characteristic sour fruit with very beneficial nutritional properties for our health.
Table of Contents
What is limequat?
First of all, we have to say that this citrus is a hybrid that is born from a cross between lime and kumquat .
It is a citrus fruit such as orange , tangerine or lemon . In addition, it belongs to the genus Citrofortunella.
Also, the fruit is very similar to that of kimquat. However, it is more oval in shape and somewhat smaller, with an average diameter of 3-4 centimeters. In addition, its color is more greenish, similar to the color of lime.
However, if it is left to ripen longer on the tree, the skin color turns yellow and the fruit is called lemonquat. In this case, it would be a mixture of kumquat and lemon.
On the other hand, like the lime, its flavor is between acid and bitter with a sweet touch . Likewise, in the greenish-yellow pulp, we can enter seeds.
Origin of limequat
The quinoto or dwarf orange tree, is originally from China. However, limequats are native to Florida . Additionally, hybrids were initially verified in 1909 by the United States Department of Agriculture. In 1913 they were introduced on the market.
The father of these fruits was Walter T Swingle who pollinated lime flowers with kumquat pollen. Later, he planted the seeds of the resulting fruits.
Currently, limequats can be found all over the world. Also in Spain. Likewise, the plant is cultivated for its fruits, but also as an ornamental plant
Limequat cultivation
In Spain it is planted in different regions, mainly Valencia and the Andalusian coast of Granada and Malaga.
The main countries that export limequats are: United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Israel and Malaysia.
Limequat season
Like the Chinese oranges, this fruit can be found in season between the months of December and February.
You can check the calendar of the fruit season to be able to consume these foods at their most optimal moment. In addition, when they are in season they provide us with more benefits for our health, they have a better aroma and are tastier , among other advantages.
How to buy limequats?
Like Chinese oranges, we always have to check that their skin is firm to the touch and that there are no spots or bruises.
Conservation
The limequat stops ripening once harvested. If we let it ripen on the tree, the skin turns yellowish and is called lemonquat.
Like kumquat and thanks to the thickness of its skin, it can be kept in the fridge for 2 and 3 weeks. At room temperature it is perfectly preserved for several days.
How do you eat limequat?
Limequats can be eaten raw as well as cooked and can be eaten whole. Like kumquats, the skin is edible.
When it is used in preparations that need to be cooked the fruit, we advise removing the seeds, as they can cause a bitter taste.
Additionally, the fruit can be cut and added raw to fruit and vegetable salads . Also, it can be used as an edible garnish for main dishes and appetizers.
Likewise, it can be used as an ingredient in different pastry recipes, jams or sauces . In addition, it is ideal for our elaborations, both savory and sweet dishes.
It is also an ideal ingredient for juice recipes, smoothies or cocktails.
We recommend that you try them fresh with a little olive oil and salt, they are delicious.
Properties of limequat
It is an acid fruit rich in vitamin C such as kiwi , carambola , kiwano , chayote or pineapple .
In addition, it is low in calories, making it ideal to incorporate it into a weight loss diet.
In addition, it provides us with different vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. The amount of folic acid it provides is also important. Among the notable minerals are phosphorus, iron, potassium, calcium and manganese, to a lesser extent.
Benefits of limequat
It is a very characteristic fruit that is very attractive thanks to its shape, color, flavor and aroma. In addition, it has a nutritional composition with benefits for our health.
Like other citrus fruits, it contains a large amount of vitamin C that helps us lower cholesterol and absorb iron from food.
In addition, it has hardly any calories, which is why it is used in weight loss diets.
Among its benefits we can highlight the following:
1. Beneficial for our heart
Thanks to the potassium it gives us, it helps us fight certain cardiovascular diseases . According to various studies, potassium is ideal for regulating blood pressure.
Therefore, it is ideal for maintaining a healthy heart.
2. Favorable against kidney stones
It contains citric acid that is favorable to help prevent the formation of kidney stones and their crystallization.
3. Strengthens the immune system
As a common characteristic in all citrus fruits , limequat is rich in vitamin C. In addition, this fruit provides us with other plant nutrients and antioxidants that help us strengthen our immune system.
4. Mitigates the effects of anemia
Thanks to the vitamin C that it provides us, it helps to incorporate iron into our body.
5. Help for the respiratory system
Due to its nutritional composition, citrus fruits are ideal to help our respiratory system.
Thanks to vitamin C and other antioxidant substances, it nourishes our defenses and, consequently, the respiratory system.
6. Antibacterial function
Helps treat certain infections that affect the respiratory system. Also, it can be an aid in treating certain symptoms of a sore throat.
7. Helps the formation of collagen
According to a study, the role that vitamin C plays in collagen production is essential . It interacts with amino acids within cells, burning hydrogen and oxygen and stimulating collagen production .
When there is not an adequate amount of vitamin C in the body, collagen production decreases. Therefore, the consumption of these fruits promotes healthy bones and joints.
Conclusions
Limequat is a delicious fruit that, thanks to its nutritional composition, is a very beneficial food for our health. Therefore, we should take it into account in our diet. In addition, its flavor, aroma and freshness are always surprising.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.