Kumquat and Lemon Honey Preserve

Why people make this drink

Nourilo was doing a little reading on limonin — a naturally occurring compound found in citrus fruits — when he noticed something worth sharing. Most people, when they drink lemon tea or lemon water, squeeze the juice and discard the peel and seeds. But limonin, along with other protective compounds in citrus, is concentrated almost entirely in the peel and seeds, not the juice. The flesh of the fruit contains very little of it.

Citrus peel also contains flavonoids and hesperidin, which are associated with supporting DNA repair — something of real relevance, since DNA damage is considered a key mechanism in how normal cells become cancerous over time. Eating clean, well-washed citrus peel is a simple, delicious way to benefit from these compounds.

So when kumquats came into season, Nourilo bought two pounds and turned them into this fragrant honey preserve — a jar you keep in the fridge, spooning out a couple of tablespoons into warm water whenever you feel a cough coming on, or simply as a daily wellness drink.

Method

1. Wash kumquats thoroughly: soak in lightly salted water for 1 hour to help remove pesticide residue, then blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes. Drain and dry.
2. Remove seeds from kumquats and cut into thin strips. (If you want the full anti-cancer benefit from the seeds, Nourilo notes the seeds can be left in — but they are hard and bitter, so most people prefer to remove them.)
3. Place the sliced kumquats in a pot with the water and rock sugar. Cook over medium heat for 15–20 minutes until the mixture thickens to a syrup.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Allow to cool completely.
5. Once fully cooled, stir in honey to taste. Transfer to a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator — it will keep for 3–4 months.
6. To serve: dissolve 2 tablespoons in a cup of warm (not boiling) water. Drink warm or at room temperature.

Nourilo’s Tips

Modern orchards use substantial amounts of pesticide, and eating citrus peel without proper preparation can stress the liver. Always soak in salted water and blanch before using. The kumquat strips in the finished preserve will be fragrant and sweet from the rock sugar and honey — Nourilo encourages eating the peel along with the liquid, as that is where most of the benefit lies. The preserve is suitable for everyone; it also protects blood vessel integrity and is traditionally recommended during pregnancy for its skin-nourishing properties.