Calamondin oranges are such a treat because they aren’t just for greenhouses! These low-maintenance little trees are surprisingly easy to grow right in your own home, as long as you have a warm, bright spot for them. The best part? The fruit is totally edible. If you’re wondering what to do with your harvest, I’ve got a few tasty ideas for you!
The Tiny Orange with a Big Zing
If you’ve ever sniffed a Calamondin orange, you know they have a gorgeous, sweet citrus scent. But don’t let that fool you—one bite will tell you these little guys are seriously sour! If you’re a fan of tart flavors, you’re going to love growing this tree. Plus, they are prolific producers, so you’ll have plenty of fruit to work with.
Eating Calamondins Fresh
You can absolutely eat these tiny oranges straight off the branch. However, since they are quite tart, they’re best enjoyed when they are fully ripe. My pro tip: wait to pick them until they’re almost ready to fall off on their own. That’s the sign they’ve reached their peak sweetness (well, as sweet as a Calamondin gets!).
Whip Up Some Sweet Marmalade
If the fresh fruit is a bit too “zingy” for your taste buds, try turning them into a sweet marmalade. It’s the perfect way to keep that signature citrus flavor while balancing out the tartness with some sugar. Here’s a quick recipe to get you started:
- Harvest about 1 pound (500g) of fresh fruit.
- Peel them and give the pulp a quick whirl in the blender or food processor.
- Add about 9 ounces (250g) of 2:1 preserving sugar (jam sugar).
- Stir well and bring the fruit and sugar mixture to a rolling boil.
- Let the marmalade simmer for about five minutes.
- Do a “wrinkle test” to check the set, then pour the hot jam into sterilized jars.
- Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely.
If your tree didn’t produce quite enough for a full batch, don’t worry—you can easily make up the difference by adding some regular oranges to the mix.
Serve Up Fruity Refreshments
Don’t toss those peels! You can use them to add a wonderful citrus aroma to your tea. Just let the peels dry out on a sunny windowsill or near a heater. If your tree is blooming like crazy, you can even dry a few blossoms too. Mix the dried peels and petals into your favorite loose-leaf tea for a custom fruity blend.
Calamondins also make a fantastic base for a refreshing fruit punch. Slice them up and toss them into a bowl with kiwi, mango, and pineapple. If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, feel free to add a splash of your favorite spirits. It’s a guaranteed hit for your next garden party!
Overwintering Your Calamondin Indoors
Investing in a Calamondin tree is definitely worth it for any indoor gardener. One of the biggest perks is that you can overwinter them right in your living room. Just make sure they get plenty of light and a bit of humidity, and your decorative little tree will be ready to produce another bumper crop next season.
