You’ll often see kumquats sold as ornamental plants at your local garden center. But here’s a pro tip: even if it’s labeled as “ornamental,” a kumquat is still a kumquat, which means those little fruits are totally edible! However, to get the best flavor (and to make sure they’re safe to eat), timing and care are everything.
Are Ornamental Kumquats Safe to Eat?
The kumquat (*Fortunella*) is a popular choice for home decor because it looks stunning. Usually, these “ornamental” versions are bred for their looks rather than a massive harvest. While the fruit is edible, you might want to hold off on snacking for the first year or two.
Here’s why: plants grown strictly for decoration aren’t usually treated with organic standards. They’re often pumped with synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides to keep them looking “showroom ready.” That’s why you’ll often see a “not for consumption” tag on them at the store.
If you want to turn your ornamental plant into a kitchen staple, start by repotting it in high-quality organic citrus soil. Try to gently shake off as much of the old, treated dirt as possible. From then on, stick to organic fertilizers and natural pest control. After about two years of “detoxing,” the plant will have processed those old chemicals, and you can enjoy your harvest without any worries!
When Is the Perfect Time to Harvest?
Kumquats are patient little things—they take quite a while to ripen. In many climates, you’ll need to bring them indoors to a warm, sunny spot in the fall just to give them enough time to finish maturing. Once you’ve picked the last of the fruit, it’s important to give the tree a proper winter rest. This dormant period is the secret to getting your plant to bloom and produce more fruit next season.
So, how do you know they’re ready? A ripe kumquat will practically fall into your hand with a gentle tug. You shouldn’t have to yank them off, and unlike lemons or oranges, you don’t even need garden shears. If you pick them too early, the flavor can be a bit of a letdown. But when they’re perfectly ripe, you get that iconic, delicious burst of fruity, sweet-and-sour goodness.
Storing Your Kumquats
Once a kumquat is fully ripe, it doesn’t have a very long shelf life, so you’ll want to enjoy them quickly. The best way to eat them? Pop them straight into your mouth, skin and all! If you have a bumper crop, they make amazing marmalades, sweet desserts, or even a zesty, fruity addition to a fresh summer salad.
