Calamansi

History and origin

Calamondin, or kalamansi, is a small hybrid citrus fruit from the mandarin tree and the kumquat. Of uncertain origin, it appears in China before spreading to Southeast Asia, where it is essential in Filipino, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines. Nicknamed “orange of the four seasons” in Chinese, it produces numerous fruits all year round, which beautify the tree with their bright colors. The name calamondin appeared in French in the 1930s. Appreciated for its tangy flavor, this citrus fruit continues to appeal to cooking enthusiasts and gardening enthusiasts.

Variety and cultivation

The calamondin, a small fruit tree producing citrus fruits 5 cm in diameter, is appreciated for its resistance and its almost continuous flowering. Grown in pots in non-tropical regions, it is mainly consumed green in Asia. Its tangy flesh is reminiscent of passion fruit and pink grapefruit.

Did you know?

The calamondin has the unique characteristic of offering simultaneous flowering and fruiting. It is therefore possible to observe its flowers and fruits on this shrub at the same time.