Expiration & Storage Tips
When does kumquat expire?
These charming little fruits are fairly robust, but like any fresh produce, they have their limits. When left to room temperature, your kumquats should remain in good condition for a week, reaching their peak of freshness in the first three to four days. If refrigerated, you can expect them to last up to two weeks, but remember to consume them within the first week after opening any seal to retain their juicy freshness. For frozen kumquats, they can be used up to one year.
How do you tell if kumquat is bad?
It's quite easy to tell if a kumquat has gone bad. Start by checking the skin. If it's wrinkled, shrunken, has dark spots or black mold, it has gone bad. The kumquat should be firm without any soft spots. Another indicator is the smell. If it starts to give off a sour or unpleasant odor, it's time to toss it. Lastly, a bad kumquat may have an unusually soft flesh and an off taste.
Tips for storing kumquat to extend shelf life
• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight if consuming within a week.
• If storing for long, put your kumquats in a plastic bag and store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge. They should remain fresh for up to two weeks. Remember to use them within a week once the seal is opened.
• For even longer storage, kumquats can be frozen. Clean them diligently, peel if preferred (though the peel is edible and flavorful), then freeze them on a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a sealable freezer bag. Calculate portions beforehand so you can grab just what you need when you need it.
• The best way to defrost kumquats is by moving them from the freezer to the fridge the night before you intend to use them. Just keep them in the lower section of your refrigerator, and they'll be ready to use by morning.