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Community Corner

Recipe: Fresh Uses for a Unique Fruit

Kumquats are hard to come by, but are a delicious, versatile fruit.

While produce such as lettuce, apples, strawberries, and carrots are easy to come by at the , other farm stands like Betty B’s Ranch have something a bit more unique to offer. Take for example, their selection and variety of kumquat fruits. The ranch, which has been around since 1978, sells kumquats, limequats, and orangequats, with each hybrid offering a distinct flavor. Owners George and Betty Schnurer have actually gained recognition as one of the few local farms to offer the fruits.

If you’re anything like me, you may be wondering: what’s a kumquat, and how can I use it? Kumquats are a citrus-like fruit that are native to South Asia. While kumquats can be enjoyed on their own, there are actually a number of diverse uses for them, including:

  • Garnish and flavoring for fish, pork, and chicken dishes
  • Puree for use in jams and ice creams
  • Ingredient of salads
  • To add flavoring to bread, cookies, and pies
  • Can be hollowed out and stuffed with cheese, chocolate, etc.

Perhaps the most interesting use of the kumquat, however, is for those who are keen on spirits. The citrus fruit is often used for flavoring of martinis and other cocktails, like the one below. Try this easy-to-make, kumquat champagne cocktail at your next Sunday Brunch.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups thinly sliced kumquats
  • 1/3 cup Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 750-ml bottle brut Champagne, well chilled

Instructions:

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  1. Mix together kumquats, liqueur and sugar until a syrupy consistency is achieved.
  2. Pour 2 tbsp kumquat syrup into 4 six-ounce glasses.
  3. Top off each glass with champagne.
  4. Enjoy!
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