Like my kids, I’m a relative newcomer to kumquats. I’ve often seen them in grocery stores, but it wasn’t until recently that I took the plunge and bought my first container. They’re not the most intuitive fruit to eat and prepare. Their bitter shell, although edible, is extremely tart, and the inside of the fruit is packed with seeds. But if you’re not game for eating them raw, they’re delicious candied in simple syrup, which has all kinds of fun applications (you can read more about those ideas here). Not surprisingly, the kids weren’t into them. But sometimes it’s fun to experience new flavors and textures together, even if you know what the end result will be.
ME: Ok, guys. What are these things?
LAUREN: Orange cherry tomatoes.
ME: Good guess. What do you think, Sam?
SAM: Tomatoes.
EMMA: Potatoes.
ME: These are not tomatoes. They’re not potatoes. These are called kumquats.
SAM: Kumquats?!
LAUREN: Kumquats.
ME: What do you think Emma?
EMMA: Salty.
SAM: You just eat it like that (with the skin on)?
ME: Yeah.
LAUREN: You even eat the skins?!
ME: Yeah.
LAUREN: It tastes like a sour orange.
ME: It does taste like a sour orange.
ME: Sam, did you try it?
LAUREN: Sweet bologna.
continue reading
