English

Noun

1. A small decorative evergreen citrus tree, of the species Citrofortunella mitis, sometimes cultivated for its fruit
2. The fruit of this tree

Synonyms

• calamansi

Calamondin or Kalamansi (Tagalog: kalamansî, pronounced /kɐlɐmɐnˈsiʔ/) (× Citrofortunella microcarpa) is a fruit tree in the family Rutaceae and a member of citrofortunella that was developed in and is very popular throughout Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines, where it is most commonly used for cooking. In the west it is variously known as acid orange, calamondin orange, or Panama orange, and in the Pacific Islands it is called kalamansi. It is a shrub or small tree growing to 3-6 m, and bears small citrus fruit used to flavour foods and drinks. Although sometimes described as a native of the Philippines or other areas of Southeast Asia, the tree is in fact the result of a hybrid between species in the genera Citrofortunella and unknown in the wild. Hybrids between Citrus subspecies have been cultivated for so long that the origins of most are obscure. It is generally held that most species in cultivation are ancient apomictic hybrids and selected cultivars of these hybrids, including crosses with other genera such as Fortunella and Poncirus. The kalamansî is usually described as a cross between Citrus reticulata (Tangerine or Mandarin orange) and Fortunella margarita (Kumquat).

The fruit of the calamondin resembles a small, round lime, usually 25-35mm in diameter, but sometimes up to 45mm. It has the inviting odor of a tangerine with a very thin green or orange colored peel. In spite of its appearance and aroma, the taste of the fruit itself is quite sour, though the peel is sweet. Popping the whole fruit into the mouth to combine the sweet and sour tastes is quite pleasant, though a surprise the first time. The fruit can be frozen whole and used as ice cubes in beverages like tea or ginger ale. The juice extracted by crushing the whole fruit makes a flavorful drink similar to lemonade, and a liqueur can also be made from the whole fruits, in combination with vodka and sugar. In Asia the juice is used to season fish, fowl, and pork. Kalamansî is commonly used as a condiment for dishes such as pancit bihon. Calamondin marmalade is made in the same way as orange marmalade—with a bit more sugar, providing a delicious spread for toast at breakfast. Like other citrus fruits, the calamansi is high in vitamin C, and the juice can be a good vitamin source.

In North America, the calamondin is grown mainly as an ornamental plant; it can be especially attractive when the fruit are present. It is frost sensitive and therefore limited to warm climates (e.g., Florida, south Texas, and Hawaii in the U.S.). If the plant is potted, it may be brought indoors during the winter in areas with cooler climates.

See also

• Shikwasa (C. × depressa), also called "Kalamansî"

References

• Mabberley, D.J. 1987. The Plant Book. A portable dictionary of the higher plants. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 706 pp. ISBN 0-521-34060-8.

• Calamondin
• Calamondin: The Miniature Orange

External links

• Kalamansi
• Source with a picture of Kalamansi
• Philippines Department of Agriculture - Kalamansi Farming tips
• Source describing Kalamansi as an orange
• Calamodin: The miniature orange (with photo showing orange-colored peel)
• Recipe and photo of calamondin pie