An interesting concept is at the core of the recent film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; to grow young when born old. Amazingly complex and sci-fi however, I could argue that the concept is much more realistic then one might imagine. So often we find ourselves trying to recapture our youth as we age only to lose the battle because our bodies have failed us. But in 'Benjamin Button' the character ages mentally but while maturing into a youthful body. We too often only start to treat our body with such youthful appreciation once we have aged. So can we reverse time? Can we mature but reverse the damage done to our bodies in our careless youth? Perhaps not but I would at least like to try. I am on a quest to grow young while growing old and the Kumquat just might be a key character in my journey.
Prior to this winter I did not know what a Kumquat was nor did I really care. The extent of my citrus diet was oranges mixed in with the occasional Grape Fruit. But I became curious at the site of the little orange fruits when on a recent trip to the grocery store during a frigid cold front. The air was wreaking havoc on my body leaving me a victim to its ferocity and the heat blasting in my face from my car left my mouth dry and longing. The little 'gold gems' seemed at that moment so appealing even though I did not know what they were. I had to have them, and have them I did.
A natural 'snacker' in the car and at home I find myself constantly bored and snacking on food is often the easiest solution so I was pleasantly surprised to have this natural snack food so refreshingly good and healthy. The Kumquat is the only citrus fruit that may be eaten whole (seeds excluded). The outer skin is sweet and provides the perfect mixture to the tart juicy center. After my initial dosing I instantly felt refreshed and renewed from my wintry slumber of junk food and laziness. The Kumquat was the perfect substitute for my snack pack and to think that I could get such freshness in the dead of winter. And like Napoleon before them, great things can come in a little package.
The Kumquat is the smallest of all citrus fruits and since you can eat it whole you also get the added benefit of Pectin. Pectin is a dietary fiber which is found in large amounts on the white lining of citrus fruits. Pectin is associated with reducing cholesterol and improving cardiovascular health and since citrus fruits are primarily eaten without skin or the white lining, one is losing part of the benefit of the fruit itself. But not Kumquats - eat the whole thing and you're getting benefits of Pectin, Vitamin C, Rutin (an anti-inflammatory flavanoid) and much much more. End result - Fountain of youth in Kumquats?...probably not entirely, but they certainly help along the way. And what other citrus fruits can you find in prime ripe condition in the Death Trap of Cold and Misery that is Wisconsin winter?
The attached site is an excellent resource for Kumquats and I highly suggest reviewing it. Better yet, go to your local grocer and stock up on Kumquats now before winter and their prime is over. You will not be disappointed and I believe you too may fall victim to the curious case of Kumquats.
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