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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Kinkoji grapefruits are medium to large fruits, averaging 6 to 8 centimeters in diameter, and have an oval, round, to pyriform appearance with slight tapering towards the stem. The peel is moderately thick, ranging in color from pale yellow-orange, orange, to yellow-orange with green spots, and has a textured, leathery feel, covered in bumps and sunken, aromatic oil glands. The peel is easy to remove, emitting a fragrant floral aroma, and underneath the surface, there is a layer of white pith that loosely clings to the flesh. Thick membranes envelop the flesh, allowing it to be easily segmented, and the pale yellow to orange flesh is aqueous, semi-firm, and tender, reminiscent of the texture of a pomelo. The flesh also encases a few to many oval, cream-colored seeds. Kinkoji grapefruits have a sweet and subtly fruity, lemon-like flavor combined with a mild tartness, lacking the sharp bitterness commonly associated with other grapefruit varieties.
Seasons/Availability
Kinkoji grapefruits are available in the winter through early spring.
Current Facts
Kinkoji grapefruits, botanically classified as Citrus obovoidea, are a rare hybrid citrus belonging to the Rutaceae family. The large, fragrant fruits are native to Japan and are known by several names, including Kinkouji, Golden Citrus, Kinkoujiunshu, Marumero, Kinkanko, and Bloomsweet. Kinkoji grapefruits are believed to be a natural cross between a mandarin and a pomelo and are a mid to late-season fruit favored for their sweet, floral flavor. Kinkoji grapefruits are not commercially grown in Japan or the United States and are primarily cultivated by citrus enthusiasts in home gardens and select specialty orchards. Growers appreciate the hybrid fruits for their high yields, cold tolerance, large size, and sweet-tart flavor utilized for fresh eating.
Nutritional Value
Kinkoji grapefruits are a source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation, and protects the body against free radicals. The fruits are also a source of fiber to stimulate the digestive tract, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, and provide lower amounts of phosphorus, iron, and calcium. In Japan, citruses like Kinkoji grapefruits are used as an immunity booster. The fruits are typically consumed fresh, juiced, or the peels are soaked into hot baths to help nourish and protect the body from colds.
Applications
Kinkoji grapefruits have a mild flavor best suited as a flavoring for fresh and cooked preparations. When fresh, the fruits can be easily peeled, segmented, and consumed straight, out-of-hand, or they can be separated and tossed into fruit bowls, green salads, chopped into fruit salsas, or served on appetizer platters. Kinkoji grapefruits can also be blended into smoothies, pressed as a fresh juice, or incorporated as a bright addition to sparkling beverages and cocktails. In addition to using the segments whole, Kinkoji grapefruit juice can be extracted and mixed into sauces, dressings, and marinades, used to flavor sushi, sashimi, and other seafood preparations, or combined into baked goods and desserts for a mild citrus taste. The fruits can also be lightly simmered into jelly, jam, and other preserves. Kinkoji grapefruits pair well with honey, maple syrup, ginger, lemongrass, seafood, meats such as poultry, turkey, and beef, and herbs including mint, cilantro, tarragon, basil, and rosemary. Whole Kinkoji grapefruits will keep for a few weeks when stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Kinkoji fruits are known under the name Bloomsweet in Texas and have become a rare variety cultivated among citrus enthusiasts. A Texas local legend states that Kinkoji fruits were brought to the state in the early 1900s by Japanese farmers and were planted in several Houston suburbs. Over time, the Japanese farmers shared graftings with other local growers, including a man simply known as Mr. Bloom. The fruits were eventually named after Mr. Bloom, and legend states that Mr. Bloom continued to cultivate the variety until his passing. Despite this local legend’s unconfirmed status, John Panzarella, a retired chemical engineer with a passion for horticulture, has been retelling this story to his guests during his annual open house in Lake Jackson, Texas. Panzarella has been growing fruit trees for over 50 years in his half-acre backyard. Each year, Panzarella hosts an open house that allows visitors to sample 40 to 80 different citrus varieties, including Bloomsweet grapefruits. Panzarella has the largest private collection of citruses in the state of Texas, cultivating over 200 different varieties, and has been hosting his open house for over 20 years. Panzarella uses his open house event to connect with other citrus enthusiasts, educate garden enthusiasts on the wide array of citrus cultivars, and sell fresh fruit boxes and potted trees from his garden.
Geography/History
Kinkoji fruits are native to Japan and were believed by experts to have developed as a chance seedling in ancient times. The fruits are thought to be a cross between a mandarin and a pomelo and were rumored to have been cultivated during the Edo Period in Japan. Kinkoji fruits were also introduced into the United States sometime in the 20th century, where they underwent a series of trials and testing through citrus breeding programs for use as a cold-tolerant rootstock. During these trials, another closely related citrus labeled as Kinkoji Unshiu mandarin was also recorded, believed to be a hybrid of the Kinkoji grapefruit with a satsuma mandarin. This hybrid is often generally labeled as Kinkoji as it contains a similar flavor but slightly darker orange flesh. Today Kinkoji fruits are a rare variety grown in limited quantities in Japan and the United States, specifically in California, Texas, and Georgia. Budwood for the fruits can be found online through select growers, and when in season, Kinkoji fruits are sold through specialty grocers, farmer’s markets, and home gardeners harvesting fruits from their trees.
Recently Shared
People have shared KinKoji Grapefruit using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 110 days ago, 4/09/21 Sharer's comments : Kinkoji grapefruits! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 125 days ago, 3/25/21 Sharer's comments : Kinkoji grapefruit from Mud Creek Ranch 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Mud Creek Ranch
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 126 days ago, 3/24/21 |
