kumquat

Definition

A small, oval citrus fruit with a sweet orange rind and tart pulp, native to East Asia and often eaten whole or used in preserves and cocktails.

Example Usage

She candied the kumquats from her garden to use as toppings for desserts.

Origin

From Cantonese gam kwat, where gam means 'gold' and kwat means 'tangerine.'

Fun Fact

Unlike most citrus fruits, kumquats are eaten with the skin on, and the skin-to-flesh ratio makes them uniquely pleasant to consume whole.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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