Kumquats are a fruit similar to oranges, although small and whose peel is edible, the reason why they are a bit different compared to other citrons. So today, I will show you how to store kumquats.
You can store kumquats at room temperature for about ten days. Additionally, you can keep them in the fridge for two weeks. To extend their shelf life, freeze them whole for 12 months, prepare a jam for 18 months, or even pickle them.
You need to read on to know how to preserve kumquats correctly.
How to store kumquats at room temperature
Before leaving the kumquats at room temperature, check their condition, as they must be firm and their shell completely smooth, without tearing.
So, storing the kumquats in the fridge is best if they are somewhat watery or have some cuts.
To store the kumquats somewhere in your pantry, you must ensure it is not hot; it must also be dry and dark so that the natural decomposition process is not accelerated.
Put the kumquats in a bag (preferably paper one) or leave them in a container or basket and cover them with a clean, dry cloth. You can keep kumquats at room temperature for ten days or until they become ripe.
How to keep kumquats in the fridge
Another method of preserving kumquats, especially if you live in a very hot area or the heat in the summer season is too intense, or if the kumquats are ripe, is to store them in the fridge as follows:
- Step 1: Clean the kumquats.
To remove traces of dust, dirt, or moisture that kumquats may have, use a paper towel.
Do not wash the kumquats with water; they can get wet and be damaged sooner than expected.
- Step 2: Put the kumquats in a basket or bag.
Place the kumquats inside an airtight bag or container so that the refrigerator’s humidity does not affect them.
- Step 3: Write the storage date of the kumquats.
As kumquats can last several weeks in the refrigerator, the best thing you can do is to put the storage date, so you will know when they are about to spoil.
- Step 4: Store the kumquats in the fridge.
Place them in the coldest part (usually the bottom). The kumquats will remain in good condition inside the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. [1]
How to store chopped kumquats in the fridge
If you wonder how to preserve chopped kumquats, as it would be practically the same way, put them inside an airtight container or bag and refrigerate them in the coldest area.
However, chopped kumquats will only last between 3 and 5 days refrigerated.
How to freeze kumquats
Can you freeze kumquats? Indeed, kumquats can be frozen very well. You need to follow these steps:
- Step 1: Wash the kumquats.
In this case, washing the kumquats with water is advisable since you will freeze them and probably be used in this way. So rub their skin well, then dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Step 2: Perform the first freezing.
Spread the kumquats evenly on a tray with wax paper or nonstick foil, arrange them in a way they do not touch each other to avoid sticking, and put them in the freezer for 4 or 6 hours.
- Step 3: Transfer the frozen kumquats to containers suitable for freezing.
Once the kumquats are frozen, transfer them to airtight bowls suitable for the freezer. As they are already frozen, the kumquats will not stick.
- Step 4: Write the freezing date of the kumquats.
Write down the date on the bags or containers.
- Step 5: Store the kumquats in the freezer.
Whole kumquats can remain in the freezer for 12 months, but if they are chopped, they will only keep for three months.
When you want to thaw them, I advise you to place the desired portion of kumquats in the fridge overnight so that they defrost slowly. There they can be for 2 or 3 more days.
But remember that kumquats cannot be re-frozen, so if you thaw them at room temperature, you should eat them the same day, as they cannot be refrigerated again.
How to preserve kumquat jam
One of the oldest ways to preserve seasonal fruits was to prepare different foods with natural preservatives, such as sugar.
So, to prepare kumquat jam, you will need 50% of the total kumquat weight in sugar and the juice of four regular oranges for every kilogram or half a pound.
- Step 1: Wash the kumquats and strain them.
Wash the kumquats with water and rub their skin well to remove all the dirt. Next, remove the leaves or stems they may have, then strain them.
- Step 2: Remove the seeds.
Chop the kumquats in half so that you can remove their few seeds.
Unlike orange or other citrus fruits, the white part of kumquats is not bitter, so you do not have to worry about the peel.
- Step 3: Chop or blend the kumquats.
If you want the jam to have a finer texture, blend the kumquats, but if you like to feel the small pieces of the fruit, then chop them into squares or as you prefer.
- Step 4: Prepare the kumquat jam.
Add the orange juice with the kumquats and sugar in a pot and cook over medium-low heat for 45 or 50 minutes or until the jam acquires the desired consistency.
- Step 5: Transfer the jam to a glass jar.
The ideal will be to pass the kumquats jam to a glass jar with a screw cap or airtight, especially if you want to keep it at room temperature or in the fridge. For the moment when you are filling the jars, remember to leave at least one finger of free space.
If you want to freeze the kumquat jam, put them inside freezer-resistant and airtight containers or bags and skip the next step.
- Step 6: Vacuum the jars.
You will need a large pot where the glass jar(s) with jam fits. First, you will have to place a clean towel or a grid at the bottom of the pot, then you arrange the jars, leaving them a little apart from each other so as not to collide.
Now proceed to pour water to cover or almost cover the jars. Put the heat to the maximum. When it starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 20 or 30 minutes so that all the air comes out by the pressure.
Please turn off the stove and wait until the water cools before removing the jars, as the sudden temperature change could break them. Then, let them rest for about six hours in a place away from the light.
- Step 7: Write the preparation date.
Stick some strips of tape to the container and write on top the date of preparation of the kumquat jam in case you do not have labels.
- Step 8: Save the kumquat jam.
When storing kumquat jam, you have three options: the first, leave it at room temperature, in a place free of moisture, which stays cool and away from light.
If the jam remains sealed, you can keep it at room temperature for 10 or 12 months. However, its shelf life is reduced to 2 or 3 months once you uncover it.
If the temperature of your place is 21°C (70°F) or above, it is best to refrigerate the kumquat jam. If the jar is sealed, it will last 18 to 24 months; when you uncover it, the kumquats jam will last six months in the fridge.
If you have frozen the kumquats jam, it will keep for an estimated 3 to 5 years.
How to preserve pickled kumquats
Another alternative you can use as a preservation method is to prepare pickled kumquats. For this, you will need the following:
350 grams of kumquats / 100 grams of white, brown, or cane sugar / 200 milliliters of vinegar of any kind / 50 milliliters of white or sherry wine / one tablespoon of salt / 8 peppercorns / one tablespoon of seeds or flakes of red pepper.
- Step 1: Wash and chop the kumquats.
Feed the kumquats with water, then chop them in half to remove the seeds.
- Step 2: Cook the kumquats.
Place the kumquats in a large pot and cover with water. Place it on the stove at max heat, lower it to medium-low level when it reaches boiling, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir constantly so that the kumquats at the bottom are not overcooked.
Then add the rest of the ingredients and cook for another 15 or 20 minutes, and do not stop stirring until a kind of light syrup is formed and the kumquats have softened. Finally, turn off the heat and wait for the preparation to cool.
- Step 3: Transfer the pickled kumquats to glass jars.
Glass preserves this type of preparation better, so pour the kumquats into these jars, leaving them immersed in the mixture, and leave one finger unfilled.
- Step 4: Vacuum seal jars with pickled kumquats.
In a large pot, boil the jars with the pickled kumquats well-sealed for 20 or 30 minutes. Remember to place a cloth or grid below so they will not collide with the pot or between them and add water until they are covered.
Before taking out the jars, please wait until the water cools or the temperature shock could cause them to explode, then leave them for 6 or 12 hours in a shady place.
- Step 5: Write down the date of preparation of the pickled kumquats.
Put some labels with the date on the jars or stick strips of tape and write the date on top.
- Step 6: Save the pickled kumquats.
You can put the sealed jars with pickled kumquats in a dry, dark, and cool place. You can keep the pickled kumquats for six months at room temperature. Once you have uncovered the jar, they will resist for only 2 or 3 weeks.
You can also store the pickled kumquats inside the fridge. If the jar remains sealed, they will keep it for 12 months, but the jar with pickled kumquats open will only keep 2 or 3 months refrigerated.
How do you know if the kumquats got bad?
If the skin of the kumquats becomes dry and loses color and weight, its shelf life is over because they were too long at room temperature and lost all moisture.
But if the kumquats are too wet and watery, it is a sign that they rotted.
If kumquats appear with white or black spots or fluff, they develop mold and are no longer safe to eat. Also, do not eat kumquats that smell or taste bad.
How long do kumquats last?
| Product | Duration |
| Kumquats at room temperature | 10 days |
| Whole kumquats in the fridge | 3 weeks |
| Chopped kumquats in the fridge | 3 – 5 days |
| Whole kumquats in the freezer | 12 months |
| Chopped kumquats in the freezer | 3 months |
| Kumquat jam at room temperature (sealed) | 10 – 12 months |
| Kumquat jam at room temperature (open) | 2 – 3 months |
| Kumquat jam in the fridge (sealed) | 18 – 24 months |
| Kumquat jam in the fridge (open) | 6 months |
| Frozen kumquat jam | 3 – 5 years |
| Kumquat syrup at room temperature (sealed) | 1 year |
| Kumquat syrup in the fridge (sealed) | 18 – 24 months |
| Kumquat syrup in the fridge (open) | 2 – 3 months |
| Chilled kumquat chutney | 1 year |
| Pickled kumquats at room temperature (sealed) | 6 months |
| Pickled kumquats at room temperature (open) | 2 weeks |
| Pickled kumquats, sealed and refrigerated jar | 12 – 14 months |
| Pickled kumquats, opened and refrigerated jar | 2 – 3 months |
What is the best way to preserve kumquats?
Storing the kumquats inside the refrigerator is the best way to preserve them. Not only will they keep for a couple of weeks, but their flavor will not be affected.
However, kumquats can be at room temperature for several days and freeze very well, although in the latter case, they could lose consistency and flavor the longer they remain frozen.
You can refrigerate or freeze chopped kumquats, depending on your needs.
Another way you can preserve kumquats is to prepare a jam, chutney, pickle, or syrup. With these methods, they will last for a long time.
Want to learn how to store some other related products? Check the following content.
