Bright, tangy, and irresistibly sweet, these homemade kumquat preserves are a delightful way to savor the unique flavor of this petite citrus fruit. Made with just four simple ingredients—fresh kumquats, granulated sugar, water, and a splash of lemon juice—this recipe transforms tart kumquats into luscious, candied slices suspended in a glossy syrup. The process is straightforward, combining the art of simmering to achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zing. Perfect for spreading on buttery toast, dolloping over creamy yogurt, or pairing with your favorite cheeses, these preserves are a versatile treat that will elevate your breakfast or charcuterie board. With only an hour from start to finish, this small-batch recipe is ideal for beginner preservers and citrus enthusiasts alike.
Wash the kumquats thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.
Using a sharp knife, slice each kumquat thinly into rounds and remove any seeds. Discard the seeds but keep the slices.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved to create a simple syrup.
Add the sliced kumquats to the syrup and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40–50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the kumquats become translucent and the syrup thickens, stir in the lemon juice. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the preserves cool slightly.
Transfer the kumquat preserves to sterilized jars while still warm, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. Seal the jars tightly.
Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator. The preserves will keep for up to 1 month in the fridge.
Serve the kumquat preserves on toast, with yogurt, or as an accompaniment to cheese.
Calories |
1885 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.3 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 58 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 481.5 g | 175% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.7 g | 117% | |
| Total Sugars | 447.6 g | ||
| Protein | 9.6 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 327 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 961 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.