Fortunella margarita (Lour.) Swing.

ORIGIN DATA:

The Maxima or Giant Oval Kumquat is thought to have originated in Sicily (Italy), probably by spontaneous mutation on either an Oval or Nagami Kumquat. The general appearance is very similar to the original Nagami, only the leaves, fruit and flowers are larger.

TREE AND FRUIT DESCRIPTION:

Small tree with slow but vigorous growth. Abundant leaves, slightly lanceolate and serrated edge. Large fruits among the Kumquats, oval morphology, may have basal neck and slightly prominent stylar area. Rind smoothly bulging, bright orange when ripe, thin and aromatic. The rind is edible. Thick albedo among kumquats. Cross section reminiscent of a 4- or 5-leaf clover, as in Kumquat Nagami. Pale orange flesh, juicy and acidic. Seeds are present, many of which are aborted.

USES:

The quality of the fruit is comparable to that of the original Nagami, even superior for some palates. The fruit is consumed fresh, whole, or can be processed as jams or candied in syrup.