The kumquat trees are an important ingredient is traditional Japanese cooking.
The Nagami kumquat tree was first introduced in America in 1855 via Japan and was primarily used for aesthetic purposes.They have been naturalized in South America but kumquat trees are said to have originated in China and have been propagated since the 121th century AD. It can be paired with other citrus fruits, nuts, seafood, salad greens, jellies, ice cream, and many cuts of poultry, fish, and meat. The oval shaped fruits have a smooth pebbled surface and the edible sweet rind and flesh delivers a tart and juicy flavor similar to that of lemon.