Kumquats are small edible fruits that look a lot like tiny little oranges. The biggest difference between kumquats and oranges is that kumquats are very small and oblong, whereas oranges are much larger and usually round.
Kumquats come from fruit-bearing trees that belong to the Rutaceae flowering plant family and were previously classified as genus Fortunella (which no longer exists).
Below, we discuss whether or not kumquats continue to ripen after they are picked.
Do Kumquats Ripen After Being Picked?
Kumquats, unfortunately, as with most citrus fruits, do not continue to ripen after they are picked from the tree. So, it is best to leave the kumquats on the tree until they are fully ripe and you are ready to eat or process them immediately.
How Do You Ripen a Kumquat?
Kumquat needs to finish ripening on the tree. There is very little, if nothing, that you can do to help them ripen after being picked. That said, they may be stored in a fruit drawer in the fridge to keep them from spoiling.
How to Tell if a Kumquat is Ripe?
Kumquats that are fully ripe have a brightly colored yellow-orange exterior and are somewhat plump. When you squeeze them they should feel slightly soft and heavier than they look. On the inside, they are sweet, pulpy, and highly edible at this stage.
How Long Does it Take for Kumquats to Ripen?
Generally speaking, kumquats require around 3 months to fully ripen on the tree. You’ll know that it is ready by its color, weight, and sweet taste. Do not attempt to harvest kumquats early, as not all the fruits ripen at the same rate. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with half-ripe and half unripe fruits.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
