Many of us have heard of kumquats and Key Limes, but did you know there’s a fruit that embodies both these citrus family favorites?
The Eustis limequat has taken the best of the kumquat, such as its everbearing nature and edible skin while combining it with the sweet-tart flavor of Key Limes. Making these easy to eat and a perfect snack for the whole family.
In this post, I’ll give you the rundown of the characteristics, how to use them in your cooking, why they are such a healthy option, and how to grow these tantalizing fruits.
Characteristics of the Eustis Limequat
The Eustis limequat has a distinctive citrus fragrance that’ll leave your mouth watering before you even take your first bite.
Medium in size, these greenish-yellow fruits might not look like much, but trust me when I say they pack a punch that will envelop all your senses.
Eating the Eustis Limequat
The Eustis Limequat has sweet skin that blends well with the tart, sour burst you’ll get when you break the barrier of the rind and reach the pulp.
Since limequats are a member of the citrus family, they will go well in marinades, salad dressing, vegetables, and fish. You can even make drinks out of them or use them as an additive to your favorite cocktail.
Using the Eustis Limequat in Your Cooking
If you’re looking for a relatively quick and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy, try this Citrus Baked Salmon With Fingerlings.
The Eustis limequat also makes for an amazing salsa; here is a Kumquat Salsa recipe that will taste just as good with limequat because of its citrusy sweet taste.
Breakfast
Are you a fan of toast and jam for breakfast but looking to spice it up a little? This No-Cook Limequat Marmalade will go perfectly with toast or an English muffin.
Who doesn’t love the smell and taste of fresh baked goods in the morning? These Limequat and Chia Seed Muffins are something the whole family can enjoy. They also make for a great addition for get-togethers, potlucks, or any kind of celebration you can think of.
Tasty Desserts
Do you love sweets but aren’t a fan of that artificial taste that you sometimes get with overly processed goods? Its sugary sweet taste with a kick makes the Eustis limequat a perfect fruit to create refreshingly irresistible desserts, like citrus pie.
Do you like lemon bars? Then this Upside Down Limequat Bars will be right up your alley. Its Royal Cream Cracker crust that brings in a touch more of additional sweetness makes the tartness pop, creating a well-balanced dessert.
Health Benefits of Eustis Limequats
The Eustis limequat is a great fruit to add to your diet if you are looking for a quick snack that you can feel good about eating or looking to spruce up your recipe repertoire.
Calories
With only 20 calories per fruit, they make for a great treat if you are looking for something to eat but want to feel like you are doing something positive for your health.
Sugar and Carbohydrates
If you’re someone who needs to watch their glucose levels or are maybe on a low-carb diet, then the Eustis Limequats are perfect for you.
With only 7grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of which are sugar, you won’t have to worry about them spiking your levels.
Potassium
Eustis limequats are an amazing source of potassium. Just one of them has about 110mg, which is about 2% of your daily intake. This might not sound like a lot, but it’s quite impressive when you compare the amount to their size.
We all know that potassium is good for your muscles, but did you know it’s also beneficial for heart and arterial health? This is because the higher potassium level helps the circulatory system’s health.
Vitamin C
Just one Eustis limequat holds 21mg of Vitamin C, which means eating one of these medium-sized citrus fruits gives you 23% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C.
Your body needs Vitamin C to grow, develop and repair bodily tissues.
Vitamin C is essential for your body to heal wounds and maintain your bones, teeth, and skin.
Growing Eustis Limequats at Home
Spacing
Eustis limequats are self-fertile, meaning you don’t have to worry about spacing because you only need one tree.
In fact, limequat trees are so small that they’ll do well as a potted plant or even home décor if you’re looking to brighten up your home.
Temperature
Limequats are known as one of the hardiest citrus plants. They can withstand temperatures as low as 27 degrees, but that doesn’t mean it’s recommended.
Limequats prefer “comfortable” weather, meaning they do best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sunlight
The Eustis limequat is no different from any other citrus fruit when it comes to sunlight. Meaning they need a lot of sunlight if you want them to stay healthy and happy.
If you’re planting them in your garden, then make sure to plant them in a place where they’ll get direct sunlight.
If you plan on having your limequat tree as a potted plant or as home décor, it’s best to place it near a window in direct sunlight or place the pot outside during the day and bring it in at night.
Humidity
These little trees are quite hardy and will adapt easily to almost all coastal and inland areas.
Soil
These trees do best in soil with a pH level of 6 to 7.5.
Medium/ light soil such as limestone or sand would work best since the consistency will help avoid flooding and easy drainage.
Water
During the warm season, it’s best to water your Eustis limequat every 2 to 3 days with about 4 to 8 liters.
You’ll want to change that in the cooler months to 1 to 2 days a week, with between 2 to 4 liters.
Fertilizer
Like most citrus fruits, fertilization is a must, especially while sprouting and producing.
Organic matter will work just fine, but if you’re looking for extra production, you’ll want to add a little more fertilizer that can be either inorganic or organic.
Pruning
Pruning isn’t necessary unless you notice affected or crossed branches.
Pests and Diseases
Like all plants, there is a chance of pests as diseases, so you’ll want to watch out for mites, whitefly, and aphids, as well as citrus gum and rotting citrus.
Where to Buy Eustis Limequat
Both the seeds and trees of the Eustis limequat are relatively easy to find. You can check with your local nurseries or go online and find a place such as Four Winds Growers that will ship to your home.
Wrapping up Eustis Limequat
The Eustis limequat is an addition that will go well with some of your favorite dishes and add vibrancy to your garden that you didn’t know you needed. With its bright colors, strong citrus aroma, and hardiness, you’ll be amazed by the stimulating power of this medium-sized fruit.
Excited for more kumquat content? Check out our kumquat trees page to learn more about this funky little citrus!