Giant Oval - Maxima

The Maxima or Giant Oval Kumquat is believed to have originated in Sicily (Italy), most likely through spontaneous mutation of an Oval or Nagami Kumquat. The overall appearance is very similar to the original Nagami, except that its leaves, fruits, and flowers are larger.

Small tree of slow but vigorous growth. Abundant leaves, slightly lanceolate with a serrated edge. Large fruits among Kumquats, with an oval morphology, may exhibit a basal neck and a slightly prominent style area. Bark is gently bulging, bright orange in maturity, thin and aromatic. The bark is edible. Thick albedo among the kumquats. The cross-section resembles a four or five-leaf clover, as in the Nagami Kumquat. Pale orange pulp, juicy and acidic. Contains seeds, many of which are aborted.

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 it can be processed for making jams or candied in syrup.