Calamondin Orange

xCitrofortunella mitis

Family: Rutaceae | Place of Origin: South East Asia: Philippines, Southern China, Borneo, and Sumatra

Origins and history:   
xCitrofortunella is a hybrid between the kumquat and a citrus fruit, most likely a mandarin orange. Theorized to have originated in the Philippines the fruit has spread and is considered native in much of Southeast Asia.

Identification characteristics  

• Leaves: 2-4 inches long and each have winged petioles and are opposite. To protect these fruits the trees occasionally support small prickles on the stems and trunks.   
• Fruit: The Calamondin Orange is very distinctive in its looks. The first major identification feature would be the brilliant orange fruits. The fruits are small and have a diameter of 1 to 2 inches.

Uses and preparation

The orange has a large variety of uses making the preparation Rather diverse. One of the main uses is that of an acid. Like limes or lemons, the hybrid fruit can be used as a substitute, this means it can be a tenderizer or a sour note. The fruit can also be made into sweet or even lemonade. If one can use a lemon or lime, then it’s a perfect substitute. Additionally, the Calamondin orange is used in making a dipping sauce for Dim sum and is rather popular in Asia. So popular in fact that the Philippines itself exports 200,000 metric tons a year. Finally, the fruit can be eaten like its relative the mandarin orange if allowed to ripen.