Calamondin - Home and Culinary Uses of the Fruit

Calamondin, an indigenous citrus plant in SoutheastChinese soy sauce. This dip is very common in
Asia and China, is an important cash crop in thethe Philippines as a condiment for grilled sea foods.
region. Otherwise known as kalamansi, its fruit isCalamondin soy sauce dip can also be used as a
used in many of the Asian cuisines as adip for dimsum and dumplings.
condiment or a flavor enhancer. In the United2. In Asian countries, the fruit's juice, together
States and some of Europe, the plant, however,with soy sauce can be used as a marinate sauce
is used as an outstanding home ornamental -for fish, pork or even beef. It adds flavor and
Usually displayed in patios or the living room.removes the strong fish odor.
The tree, which is often trained as a bonsai, will3. It can be use as an ingredient for a dish. If you
bloom with flowers year-round; filling the air withwant to add a sour tangy flavor to your dish, you
the aroma of citrus blossom. The tree has uprightcan add the juice of the calamondin.
branches with very few thorns and can grow up4. Its juice can add flavor to Chinese food such
to 10 feet. Its 3-inch evergreen leaves areas congee, beef and chicken noodle soup.
broadly oval and pale green below like those of it5. It can also be used with a sushi or sashimi dip.
cousin, the kumquat. Its flowers are white andJust combine the juice and a tablespoon of
small. The 1 3/4 inch-wide fruit is small, depressedJapanese soy sauce with horseradish.
and deep orange-yellow when ripe, loose-skinned6. Calamondin can also be used as a deodorant
and segmented. The pulp is very acidic to taste.and whitening solution for your armpit. Simply cut
Fruits can be harvested any time of the year. Itinto two, and then gently squeeze it while rubbing
is said that it is an acid citrus, a group thatit into your armpit.
includes lemons and limes. The flesh is orange,7. The juice can be used as a whitening solution
juicy and acid, with a fine lime-orange flavor.and stain remover for your clothes. Some old
Because of this, it is usually classified with thenative folks from the Philippines use calamondin as
limes. The small seeds are few, with characteristica stain remover. They rub it into the stained part
green cotyledons.of the clothes and scrub it with brush and
One bite of this fruit can pucker your mouth. Thedetergent soap.
fruit, when ripe, is very sour when first tasted.8. It can be used as a medication for your sore
Subsequent tasted fruits make your mouththroat. Simply squeeze the juice extract of
sweet. If the fruit is picked too soon, it is bittercalamondin into your throat. Do this three times a
to taste.day. It may feel painful for your throat but
The following is a list of possible uses for thecalamondin is enriched with vitamin c. So it helps
calamondin fruit, mostly culinary:fight the bacteria in your throat.
9. Mixed with sugar, it can be used as a beverage
1. The calamondin fruit can be used as a flavoras opposed to lemonade. Very good for your
enhancer for soy sauce. Simply cut a calamondincough and colds.
fruit into two. Squeeze and add a tablespoon of