Can You Freeze Kumquats?: How To Store Kumquats in Freezer? – How Long Do Kumquats Last?

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Can You Freeze Kumquats?: While most of us might get confused between oranges and tangerines, kumquats are a big part of the citrus group too. Kumquats may not be as popular as oranges and limes, but their nutritional factors speak for themselves. However, have you ever wondered whether can you freeze kumquats or not?

If not, then you are looking at the right article. Freezing kumquats is a talked-about topic, but we will tell you exactly how it’s done. In this article, we will explain everything that goes into freezing and storing kumquats with utmost care. So, let’s start the guide.

Can You Freeze Kumquats

Can You Freeze Kumquats?

Yes, you can freeze kumquats and it is extremely easy to get with the process. Most people simply freeze the entire fruit—skin and all—due to their small size. The kumquat will, however, turn mushy when it is thawed. Fortunately, since it is frequently boiled or puréed, the texture of this fruit is immaterial.

There are two ways to release kumquat. They can either be frozen whole with the seeds in them or without. You’ll save time when thawing kumquat if you freeze them without the seeds. As a better option, you can just add them straight to the frozen recipes.

Do Kumquats Freeze Well?

Yes, kumquats stay great when they are frozen. Due to its diminutive size, the majority of people simply freeze the entire fruit—skin and all—instead of cutting, dicing, or slicing it up beforehand.

If you’re short on time, you may use the fruit straight from the freezer, or you can let it thaw in the refrigerator. Thawing it out at room temperature isn’t the best idea because the fruit might rot.

Although some weakening of the fruit’s texture is inevitable, you can lessen it by properly storing the fruit in the freezer. Moreover, kumquats have high water content which creates a lot of ice crystals. This makes it important to freeze the citrus fruits in the right way.

How Long Can You Freeze Kumquats Whole?

For a few months, kumquats can be frozen. Before freezing, it is advised to slice and remove the seeds from the kumquats to make them more usable. Frozen kumquats, however, have a longer shelf life. Despite the amount of vitamin C decreasing, a study found that freezing citrus fruits at 20°C (4°F) had no discernible effects on the carotenoid composition of the fruits after storage for 13 months.

Frozen kumquats can still be used in cooking and baking even if freezing them will change their texture and make them soggy when they defrost. This is exactly why we have to understand the freezing process of the fruit in every variant.

How to Freeze Kumquats?

Depending on how you intend to utilize the fresh kumquats in the future, you will have to decide how to freeze them. Some techniques are more effective when used only with kumquat juice, while others better preserve the full kumquat flavor:

  • The kumquats should first be washed, making sure to get rid of any dirt and stems that could have remained on the fruit after it was plucked.
  • Make a basic sugar syrup in a saucepan by mixing 2 parts water and 4 parts water. Until the sugar dissolves, heat the mixture while stirring regularly.
  • Kumquats should be placed in airtight ziplock bags. Fruit will last longer if it is preserved in silicone pouches.
  • Fill the bag with the syrup after it has cooled, covering the kumquats. When the syrup freezes, make sure to leave a space of around 12 inches to allow for growth.
  • To prevent tearing or explosion, gently squeeze the bags to remove all the air before sealing.
  • To make it easier to find the contents later, mark the bag with the contents and the date it was frozen.
  • Lay the bag flat in the freezer’s deepest compartment, making sure that nothing else will fall on it.

How to Freeze Whole Kumquats?

When kept in sugar syrup, whole kumquats freeze significantly more effectively. Consequently, when you’re ready to defrost the kumquats, this makes them sweeter. The fruit won’t lose its flavor as rapidly when frozen, though. Go on to do these steps:

  • To get rid of any remaining pesticide or dirt, scrub your kumquats with cold water. Pat them dry.
  • In a low-heated saucepan, combine 2 parts water and 1 part sugar. Stir the mixture occasionally while bringing it to a low boil until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • To avoid unintentionally cooking your fresh kumquats, let the syrup warm up to room temperature.
  • Kumquats should be added whole to the cooled pan, and the syrup should be poured over them entirely with a spoon or ladle.
  • Transfer the syrupy kumquats to an airtight container. Store in any leftover syrup, filling the airtight jar or container to around an inch from the lid.
  • Tightly shut the container or jar and put the kumquats away to freeze for up to 12 months.

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How to Preserve Kumquats Slices in The Freezer?

Kumquats are best frozen in sliced pieces as it enables more surface freezing. Moreover, this way you determine to freeze the fruits proportionally. Here’s everything you have to do to freeze sliced kumquats:

  • After washing, use paper towels to dry the kumquats.
  • Remove the seeds by cutting the kumquats in half.
  • Put the kumquat slices on a parchment-lined pan and freeze them for a few hours.
  • Place the frozen kumquats in a zip-top bag or another airtight container.
  • Label it, then put it back in the freezer.

How to Freeze Kumquat Syrups?

Making zesty kumquat syrup is among the most popular ways to eat kumquats. The syrup can also be frozen:

  • Wash the kumquats in cold water to get rid of any remaining dirt before making syrup from them.
  • Remove the seeds from the kumquats after cutting them in half.
  • In a heated pan, mix sugar and water in a 2:1 ratio. Until all of the sugar has dissolved, allow the mixture to simmer slowly.
  • Use a potato masher to crush all of your kumquats into the hot simple syrup after adding them. then let the syrup come back to a boil.
  • Remove the pan from the fire as soon as the syrup starts to boil once more, allowing it to cool to at least room temperature.
  • The syrup should be strained into an airtight container using a sieve or strainer.
  • Put the container in your freezer, seal it up, and keep it for up to 6 months.

Tips you Need to Know About Freezing Kumquats

Now that we know how to freeze drying kumquats in different ways, here are some tips that make freezing easier and better:

  • Avoid exposure to direct sunlight

Kumquats should ideally be kept at a cool temperature and out of direct sunlight before freezing. Since kumquats don’t keep well at room temperature, it’s important to store them carefully before freezing to preserve their quality after freezing.

  • Don’t over-keep

Although the kumquats can be stored for up to a year, they will gradually become softer and mushier. This isn’t a problem if you plan to purée the kumquats, but if you want to eat them whole, it would be better to do so as soon as possible.

  • Put out the seeds

Before freezing the kumquats, you can slice them up and remove the seeds to save time. This does imply that they won’t keep as well in the freezer, but you can still use them right away from the freezer in recipes.

How to Defrost Kumquats?

Kumquats can be frozen after being cut into slices and deseeded, then used as you would fresh kumquats in your favorite dish.

Kumquats from frozen are excellent in baked goods, jams, and marmalades. You may just place the kumquats in the refrigerator to thaw out a little before eating them if you want to eat them whole.

Can you Refreeze Kumquats?

No, it is not recommended to referee kumquats no matter what way you freeze it. Kumquats already have a lucid texture that exposes clear ice crystals. Hence, you should rather thaw a proportion of the batch you freeze.

FAQ on Can You Freeze Kumquats

1. What can you do with Kumquats in the freezer? 

Frozen kumquats can be used in various ways. You can easily squash it or even make a jam out of it.

2. Can you freeze Kumquat puree? 

Yes, you can freeze kumquat puree but the texture will form ice crystals. Hence, you have to take extra caution while freezing the puree for longer use.

3. Can you freeze Kumquat zest? 

Yes, kumquat peel or zest freezes easily if you use freezer bags. The kumquats’ peel should be removed before cutting into strips. Place them in a bag after lightly dusting them with maize flour.

4. Do Kumquats need to be refrigerated?

Yes, kumquats need to be refrigerated if you want to preserve them for about 2 weeks.

Key Takeaways

Frozen kumquats are great for last-minute recipe preparation. Otherwise, leaving it at room temperature deteriorates the texture.

Now that we know everything about storing and freezing kumquats, you must be curious about other foods too. Well, we have everything covered for you. Check out our website @canyoupreserve.com to see more frozen food-related content like can you freeze fruit salad, can you freeze rambutan, and many more.

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