The tropical fruit kumquat, which is known as the "golden orange" by the Chinese and is rich in vitamin C, has taken its place among the agricultural products of İzmir. The first harvest was made from kumquat trees planted for trial purposes 2 years ago in İzmir.
In order to diversify the agricultural product range of İzmir, the kumquat, which is also called “golden orange” and its shape is likened to lemon and its color is orange, was produced on a 5 decare land in the district of Seferihisar.
In the trial production of kumquat, which grows mainly in the Mediterranean region in Turkey, with approximately 400 trees, 1500 kilos of product were obtained. It was noted that although the trees are still small, their productivity is high, and the amount of fruit is expected to increase to 8 tons after the trees grow and become more productive.
Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association President Hayrettin Uçar, who made the trial production in his garden, stated that they aim to make kumquat grown in pots and hobby gardens in İzmir an important commercial product in the Aegean Region by growing it in large gardens just like tangerines.
Explaining that he set out to grow kumquat from the citrus family in Seferihisar about 2 years ago, Uçar said, “We decided to plant the kumquat, which I grew in pots, on the land considering its high economic return and health benefits. Kumquat is a fruit with high added value. We will try to increase production in the coming period. I also recommend it to manufacturers. I invite our producers to grow kumquats on their empty lands.
Explaining that they are presenting the kumquats they harvested to the domestic market for now, President Ucak stated that as the production of kumquat, which has been imported as an exotic fruit until now, increases in Turkey, its import will come to an end, and that they aim to export in the future with the increase in production.
Noting that kumquat can be consumed raw, it can also be consumed as jam, marmalade, pickles, and can be used in cakes and cakes, Uçar said:
“The first commercial trial planting was done in İzmir. Planting saplings like Satsuma tangerine is not expected for 7-8 years. It grows on dwarf trees. Prices are also good. It is sold in the markets for 25-30 liras. It cannot be sold for less than 15-20 liras wholesale. A lot of work, of course. Its yield per tree is lower than tangerines, but the price satisfies the producer. I made the first harvest, I am satisfied. We will increase our kumquat planting area in the coming period. We need to multiply our variety. Izmir's satsuma is very famous. But when there is variety, it is sold at prices that will satisfy the producer. He concluded his words by saying that when we produce around a thousand tons of kumquat in the Aegean in the coming years, there will be a significant added value.
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