Candied kumquats are awesome. Why do we need them in our lives? The answer: just because.
1. Because they are absolutely addictive. You can eat them straight up like candy- we’ve tried it. The flavor is too delicious and complex to even describe in words- initially sweet, then an explosion of citrus in the mouth.
Tanney: “It tastes like an orange lifesaver, but a thousand times better.”
2. Because they are cool. Who else has candied kumquats in their lunch box? Only the cool kids.
3. Because they are fancy. Whip up a handful of these babies, sprinkle them on desserts or in cocktails, and impress everyone in sight. “Are those mini oranges? Nope, just candied kumquats.”
4. Because they are portable. Who wants to bother with slicing and peeling, when you can just pop one in your mouth on the go!
5. Because kumquats are small, cute and irresistible. Move over, cute animal pics. Kumquats are where it’s all at.
Candied Kumquats notes:
– You can use the kumquat simple syrup to make delicious drinks. It’s best if you use the syrup the same day, otherwise it will thicken over time.
-If you like this recipe, you’ll love our Kumquat Soft Serve Ice Cream
- 4 cups of diced kumquats (approx 1 lb), with the seeds removed
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- Combine the water and sugar together in a pot and boil the mixture over high heat. Turn the heat down and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add the kumquats and simmer for 10 more minutes.
- Hold a strainer over a bowl and drain the kumquats.
- Place the syrup back into the pan and simmer for approx 5 more minutes to thicken it.
- Place the kumquats and the syrup together in a mason jar!
I’ve never had kumquats before but these sound just heavenly! I love your photos too – great use of colour!
Thank you! You’re in for a treat- keep an eye out for them in the store or farmers markets!
I will be on the lookout for kumquats on my next trip to the grocery store. Sounds delish!
Thank you, I hope you find some! They have so much flavor!
Never had this type of fruit but I would sure love to try it! Great picts 🙂
You have to try it! Kumquats are tangy on the inside but sweet on the outside, an amazing flavor combination!
I have never had a kumquat before, but this sounds wonderful. I love candied oranges so this is a must-try! Pinning for later. xo, Catherine
Haven’t tried candied oranges before! They sound yummy, will definitely have to give them a try 🙂
this is perfect! We have a kumquat tree & aren’t quite sure what to do with them!
Wish I had a kumquat tree, so envious! 🙂
I absolutely love kumquats! I’ve never had them candied, but I think I’ll have to give it a try!
They taste delicious, let me know how it turns out! 🙂
Ooooh! These look scrumptious!!!
Rosemond
http://www.bighairandbooks.blogspot.com
Thanks Rosemand! 🙂
These look great! Actually, would you mind if I reblogged your post? I am always looking for inspiration on the internet and I’d love to link your recipe to my blog. 🙂
Yum! So simple – my kind of recipe 🙂 We just bought a place with a huge loquat tree so I have been on the hunt for recipes for them so they don’t go to waste. Thanks for sharing
Never tried loquats before, they look delicious! 🙂
I love kumquats. I have never tried them candied but I bet my kids would like them better this way! Thanks for the recipe!
Excited to hear that you’re a fellow kumquat fan! 🙂
I’m going to make some marmalade out of my kumquats, and saw your candied ones. How long will they last after canning them? Thanks!
We never tried canning them, so I’m not sure of the exact answer. Sugar is a preservative, so they should last for some time! If you try it, please let me know 🙂
I just made these the other day and everyone loves them. I didn’t have four cups of kumquats so i reduced the recipe, my only question is if I made the syrup correctly. My kumquats sit in an almost but not quite gummy syrup. It doesn’t move when I tilt the jar, but neither is it hardened to the bottom. I suspect because i had such a small quantity I should’ve not cooked it so long. I’m not very experienced at cooking so sorry if the question seems silly or obvious.
Hi Ann, I think that there was probably just a little too much sugar syrup to kumquat ratio since you reduced the amount of kumquats in the recipe (sugar can be pretty fickle like that so don’t worry). On the bright side, you now have delicious kumquat-infused syrup which you can use to top pancakes (it’s so delicious) or you can even mix a spoon of it into some seltzer for an amazing homemade kumquat soda 🙂
This looks so wonderful I would like to make it for the Kumquat ice cream recipe you posted but wondering if I could substitute maple syrup for the sugar and if so would I need to use any water or could I just cook the cumquats with the maple syrup and no water? So excited to make this…
Hi Mary, I’m not sure if it would work with maple syrup. Because the water content of the maple syrup is different from plain water, it might make the candied kumquats too watery or easier to burn once the liquid evaporates (there’s more sugar per drop of liquid). In regards to the ice cream, if the candied kumquats with maple syrup did work, it might make it too runny without thickening up properly. If you do try the recipes with maple syrup, please let me know how they turn out!
How long do yhey last in thr fridge?
Hi Janis, they last for quite some time in the fridge! At least a good 3 or 4 months or so, if they’re covered with a generous amount of the syrup. Hope that helps!