The Calamondin Tree: A Symbol of Prosperity and Good Luck for Chinese New Year

When it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year, symbolism plays a central role. From the colors red and gold to the dishes served, everything is steeped in tradition and meaning. Among the many cherished symbols of this festive season is the calamondin tree, a beautiful and fruitful plant that carries deep cultural significance. Known as the “Citrus of Abundance,” the calamondin tree represents wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, making it a perfect gift and decoration for this time of year.

Why the Calamondin Tree is the Star of Chinese New Year

Symbolism: The Citrus of Abundance

The calamondin tree, a hybrid between a kumquat and a mandarin orange, has earned its reputation as a harbinger of prosperity. Its evergreen foliage signifies longevity and vitality, while its small, vibrant fruits symbolize abundance and success. The tree’s ability to produce fruit year-round is viewed as a metaphor for consistent wealth and opportunities throughout the year.
In Chinese culture, the orange hues of the calamondin fruit are especially significant. Orange is associated with gold, a timeless symbol of wealth and financial prosperity. The fruits are also round, representing wholeness and unity, key themes during Chinese New Year celebrations.

Calamondin Trees as Gifts: A Thoughtful Gesture

A Wish for Health, Wealth, and Happiness

The tradition of giving a calamondin tree as a gift during Chinese New Year is deeply rooted in the values of goodwill and generosity. Gifting a calamondin tree is a way of imparting best wishes for health, wealth, and happiness to friends, family, and business associates. It’s a gift that not only carries symbolic value but also offers practical benefits. The tree’s fragrant blossoms and tart fruits can be used in cooking, cleaning, and even skincare.

Perfect for Every Setting

Whether presented to a close family member or a professional colleague, the calamondin tree conveys a universal message of hope and positivity. It’s a meaningful gift that keeps on giving, as recipients can enjoy its beauty and benefits long after the celebrations are over.

The Calamondin Tree in Festive Decorations

Bringing Fortune Into Your Home

During Chinese New Year, homes and businesses are adorned with symbols that attract good fortune, and the calamondin tree is a favorite choice. Often placed at the entrance of homes or offices, the tree is believed to invite positive energy and prosperity into the space. Its bright fruit contrasts beautifully against its lush green leaves, adding a vibrant and festive touch to any decor.

A Centerpiece of Tradition

In many households, the calamondin tree takes center stage as a decorative focal point. Families may add red envelopes (ang pao), gold coins, and other traditional ornaments to its branches to amplify its auspicious qualities. The combination of red, gold, and green reflects the harmonious balance of elements thought to bring good fortune.

Caring for Your Calamondin Tree

While the calamondin tree is relatively low-maintenance, a little care goes a long way in ensuring it thrives and continues to bring symbolic and practical benefits. Here are some tips for keeping your calamondin tree healthy:

• Lighting: Place the tree in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Fertilization: Use a citrus-specific fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy foliage and fruit production.
• Pruning: Trim dead or overgrown branches to maintain its shape and vitality.

A well-cared-for calamondin tree can live for years, serving as a perennial reminder of good fortune and prosperity.

The Calamondin Tree’s Broader Appeal

While its significance during Chinese New Year is well-documented, the calamondin tree’s appeal goes beyond its cultural symbolism. It’s a versatile plant that can enhance any garden or indoor space. Its small size makes it ideal for patios, balconies, or even tabletops, and its fragrant blooms provide a delightful sensory experience.

In addition to its decorative value, the calamondin fruit is highly versatile. Its tangy juice can be used to flavor dishes, make refreshing beverages, or even act as a natural cleaning agent. The fruit’s rich vitamin C content also makes it a popular ingredient in skincare products.

A Timeless Symbol of Prosperity

The calamondin tree is more than just a plant—it’s a timeless symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and the hope for abundance. Whether given as a gift or used as a decoration, this “Citrus of Abundance” holds a special place in Chinese New Year traditions and continues to capture the hearts of those who celebrate.

As you prepare for Chinese New Year, consider adding a calamondin tree to your festivities. It’s a beautiful way to honor tradition, share goodwill, and invite prosperity into your life. After all, who wouldn’t want a little extra luck and abundance to kick off the year?

>>Shop Calamondin (Calamansi) Trees

The post Add Some Luck to Your Yarden this Chinese New Year! appeared first on Yarden.

Lime juice and ginger add a bright freshness to these zesty ribs! Serve the mouthwatering, tangy ribs alongside a simple slaw made with shredded cabbage, lime juice, and avocado oil mayonnaise.

Ingredients:

For the ribs:

• ¾ cup chicken broth
• 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, divided
• 2-2½ lbs. rack baby back ribs
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 2 Tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tsp. Himalayan pink salt, fine ground
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• Simple slaw, to serve (recipe below)

For the sauce:

• ¼ cup coconut aminos, tamari, or soy sauce
• 4 Tbsp. butter
• 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp. grated lime zest
• ¼ cup sliced green onion
• 2 tsp. sesame seeds
• For the slaw:
• ½ pound green or red cabbage, shredded
• Juice of ½ lime
• 1 to 2 tablespoons avocado oil mayonnaise
• 1 pinch Himalayan pink salt, fine ground

 Directions:

1. Place a trivet with handles in an Instant Pot. Add the broth plus 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Remove thin membrane from back of ribs. Cut ribs into 4 sections. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, ginger, garlic, pink salt, and pepper. Rub spice mixture evenly over the ribs. Arrange ribs on trivet.
2. Secure lid on pot and close pressure-release valve. Set pot to HIGH pressure for 25 minutes. At the end of cooking time, use a natural release to depressurize.
3. While the ribs are cooking, combine the coconut aminos, butter, sesame oil, lime zest, and remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice in large saucepan. Cook sauce over medium-low heat just until butter melts, about 2 minutes.
4. Adjust oven rack to 6 inches from heat source. Preheat the broiler. Line a large baking sheet with foil.
5. Open Instant Pot and transfer ribs, meaty-side down, to prepared baking sheet (discard the cooking liquid from pot). Brush ribs with sauce, reserving half. Broil until browned (3-4 minutes). Turn ribs over. Brush with remaining sauce. Broil until browned and slightly charred (3-4 minutes more).
6. In a small bowl, toss together all ingredients for the slaw.
7. To serve, brush ribs with any remaining sauce and sprinkle with the green onion and sesame seeds. Serve with slaw.

The post Ginger-Lime Baby Back Ribs Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

Learn how to cut avocado with this easy step-by-step guide. The creamy and nutty flesh can be sliced, diced, or mashed to add nutritional benefits to savory recipes and even desserts.

Once you know how to cut an avocado, the culinary possibilities are endless. Mastering the technique to slice and dice an avocado is key to unlocking its delicate taste and nutritional benefits. Fan it out and make avocado toast, dice it up for tacos, mash it up for the best guacamole dip, or make chocolate mousse.

At first glance, it can be a little tricky to cut through the rough and bumpy outer layer and removing the large pit. Once cut open, the next hurdle is removing the delicate pulp which can be carefully scooped out or the skin peeled off.

Removing the Flesh of an Avocado: As easy as 1-2-3!

Use this technique to yield the most avocado meat while keeping it pretty for presentation. All you need are simple kitchen tools like a cutting board, large chef’s knife, spoon, and kitchen towel to get you closer to enjoying that creamy green flesh. Work carefully and slowly until you get the hang of the technique.

1. Separate the avocado into two halves. Stand a ripe avocado on end on a cutting board and insert the tip of a sharp knife into the stem end until you feel the pit. Next, cut all the way around the avocado in a circle, lengthwise, keeping the tip of the knife in contact with the pit along the way. Finally, gently twist the avocado halves to separate the two sections.

2.  Remove the pit. Holding the avocado securely, carefully tap the back edge of a chef’s knife into the pit. Twist the knife and lift it straight up to remove the pit; to dislodge it from the knife, use a wooden spoon.

3. Remove the flesh from the skin.

Make long, lengthwise slits in each half of the avocado to create multiple parallel lines. Turn the fruit 90 degrees and cut similarly sized lines perpendicular to the other tracks as to form a crosshatch pattern. Use a large spoon to scoop the flesh out of the skin.

Now you can use the flesh in your favorite recipes, like this one for guacamole!

Grow Your Own Avocados!

Avocado fans, have you ever considered growing your own? If you’ve considering using Yarden.com to buy a citrus tree online, you’re in luck – we offer Florida avocado trees for sale, too!

Avocado trees are subtropical, and do best in warm, semi-humid climates with consistent temperatures and few hard freezes. But don’t think you need to live in Florida to successfully grow your own avocado tree – dwarf avocados can be grown indoors!

You can find a number of varieties of Avocado Trees for sale at Yarden.com (including the Hass Avocado Tree, which is the most popular in the US). You can also find potting mixes specially formulated for avocado trees, containing compost blended with sand for a loose, fast-draining composition, along with kits containing everything you need for avocado growing nutrition.

Keep in mind, however, if you want fruit from your tree, just any avocado tree for sale won’t do – for indoor growing, you’ll need a dwarf variety that’s been grafted onto rootstock.

The post How to Cut an Avocado appeared first on Yarden.

Avocado toast is the perfect quick and easy recipe – few ingredients, minimal prep, and it can serve as a snack or a full meal.  But don’t let that fool you into thinking avocado toast is boring!  Here are some tips to get the perfect avocado toast every time, along with some recipe variations that will take your avo toast to the next level.

Tips for Getting the Best Avocado Toast

• Choose your avocados wisely

You want ripe avocados, but not overripe.  Choose ones that have a little bit of give when you squeeze them gently.  Avoid avocados with mushy or stringy insides.  Discard any brown or bruised bits of the flesh.

• Mash avocado separately

It may be tempting to mash the avocado directly on your toast, but doing so can squish or tear your bread.  Mashing the avocado in a separate bowl allows you to mash it evenly (giving a smoother and creamier texture) and keep the toasted texture of your bread.

• Splurge on bread

While you can absolutely use any bread you have on hand, certain types of bread will give you a more luxurious toast.  A sturdy and thick-sliced whole or multigrain bread will give you a stronger base.  Be sure to toast it well to not only increase the sturdiness, but to give a sharp contrast to the creamy avocado.

Ingredients:

• 2 pieces of thick-sliced bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Cut avocado in half. Remove the pit and scoop the insides out into a small bowl.  Mash with a fork until it reaches desired consistency.  Add a pinch of salt to taste.
2. Toast bread slices until golden brown and firm.
3. Spread the avocado mixture evenly over the toast.

Avocado Toast Variations:

• Gluten Free

Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance don’t have to miss out on this tasty trend!  Swap out regular bread for a gluten free option.

• Everything Bagel

Sprinkle some Everything Bagel seasoning over the avocado spread.  You can find this seasoning mix at most grocery stores and even on Amazon.  You can also whip up a batch of your own.  Everything Bagel seasoning does tend to be salty, so you may want to cut back on the amount of salt you add to your avocado spread.

• Fried Egg

Top your toast with a fried egg to add some extra protein and energy to your day.  This makes an excellent breakfast to-go option.

• Tomato Basil with Balsamic Drizzle

Layer torn basil leaves and fresh tomato slices over your toast, then drizzle with a balsamic glaze or thick balsamic vinegar.  If you want an extra kick of salty flavor, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.

The post Avocado Toast Recipe (Plus Tips & Variations) appeared first on Yarden.

Smoothies are a great way to get more fruits and veggies in your diet! Full of fiber and healthy fats, avocado makes this smoothie creamy and dreamy and thick, almost like a milkshake. The frozen banana adds a natural sweetness. 

Ingredients:

• ½ c. cubed frozen pineapple
• 2 c. packed fresh spinach OR 1 c. frozen spinach
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 frozen banana
• ¾ cup light coconut milk, canned or from a carton
• 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, plus ½ tsp. zest
• 1 tsp. maple syrup
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 8 ice cubes
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder 

Directions:

1. Combine pineapple, spinach, avocado, banana, coconut milk, lime juice, maple syrup, salt, ice and protein powder in blender.
2. Blend until creamy.
3. Serve and enjoy!

The post Healthy Green Smoothie Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

Have you been thinking you might like to buy an Avocado Tree? Avocado trees are subtropical tree that do best in a warm, semi-humid climate that experiences few and brief hard freezes. An Avocado Tree will only grow outdoors in USDA Growing Zones 8-11, but even then the territory has to be just right – the avocado prefers moderate, consistent temperatures, not extreme heat, cold winds or snow.

Growing Avocados Indoors

Growing an avocado tree indoors is both easy and rewarding. You can find several varieties of quality Avocado Trees for sale at Citrus.com. You can also find potting mixes specially formulated for avocado trees, containing compost blended with sand for a loose, fast-draining composition, along with kits containing everything you need for avocado growing nutrition.

If you’re hoping that by keeping your own avocado tree you can save money by not buying avocados, you need to know that you’re unlikely to get fruit from a potted avocado tree unless you get a dwarf variety that’s been grafted onto rootstock. Whether you get fruit or not, however, you’ll get great enjoyment out of the beauty of your indoor avocado plant!

Caring for an Indoor Avocado

Indoor avocado plant care includes plant support and feeding. Use a stake to keep the plants main stem sturdy and straight as it grows. Also, transplant the tree as it outgrows its pot. Prune off any suckers that arise from the rootstock.

Growing avocados in containers indoors requires lots of bright light so the plant won’t become straggly. In the beginning, pinching off excess growth will help promote a bushier, stronger plant.

Fertilize your avocado tree with water-soluble food every month, and turn it frequently to promote even growth.

Avocado trees require regular watering for the plant to thrive and produce fruit. Give the plant moderate water when the soil feels dry to the touch.

When to Prune an Avocado Tree

Generally, avocado trees don’t require much pruning. Major pruning of outdoor trees in order to encourage branching is done during the winter, or immediately after harvest. Light pruning tasks can be done whenever needed. Only prune out dead or dying branches.

For outdoor trees, it’s a good idea to cut off the top of the tree (about 10-15 feet) after several years of avocado harvests. This also helps keep the tree at a good height for easy harvesting.

Did You Know?

Every wonder how you can tell when is an avocado ripe? Avocado trees take up to a year on the tree to fully ripen. If the avocado yields to firm but gentle pressure, you know it’s ready-to-eat. It should feel slightly soft, but not mushy.

The post When to Trim an Avocado Tree appeared first on Yarden.

Are you a fan of avocados? If so, you’re not the only one – the Mexican fruit (yes, avocados are a fruit, not a vegetable) has grown popular along with the popularity of Mexican cuisine. Apart from the ubiquitous guacamole, avocados are enjoyed in everything from salads to breakfast toast. And avocados aren’t just delicious – they’re good for you, too! Avocados are known for being a source of “good fat” (monounsaturated fat, which helps main healthy cholesterol levels). They’re also packed with other nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E, and are high in fiber. In fact, the only bad thing about avocados, it would seem, is their price – compared to other produce, avocados tend to be more expensive.

Grow Your Own Avocados

An obvious solution for an avocado-lover would be to grow their own at home. But if you live in a colder climate, you may have figured it was out of the question. While you can find cold-hardy avocado trees for sale (along with cheap citrus trees, Citrus.com also offers several varieties of avocado tree for sale), you might be surprised to learn that you can also grow dwarf variety avocado trees indoors. Dwarf varieties of your favorite avocados (including the popular Hass Avocado Trees) are more likely to produce fruit when grown in pots or containers.

Growing an avocado tree indoors is both easy and rewarding. If you’ve purchased citrus trees online from Citrus.com before, you’ll be happy to know you can find several varieties of quality Avocado Trees for sale at Citrus.com as well, along with the items best suited to help you care for them (including specially formulated potting mixes and kits containing everything you need for avocado nutrition).

Caring for Indoor Avocado Trees

Dwarf avocado trees grow well indoors, but they do need regular feeding (fertilizing it with a water-soluble food every month is a good idea) as well as a stake to keep them sturdy and straight as they grow. You’ll also need to prune off any suckers that form on the rootstock, and “pot up” the plant before it outgrows its original pot.

Because avocado trees need a lot of light, you may want to consider moving your potted avocado outdoors when the weather warms. Indoors you may have to provide a grow light to help it along. (Avocado plants grown in containers will become straggly if they don’t get enough light, which is essential for a strong, sturdy, bushy plant). Turning the plant frequently in its pot also helps promote even growing.

Avocado trees also require regular watering for the plant to thrive and produce fruit. Feel the soil often; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Generally, avocado trees don’t require much pruning.

A Rewarding Endeavor

It can take a long time to grow your own smooth, creamy, nutrient-rich avocados (the fruit takes a year on the tree to fully ripen), but it’s definitely worth it. And you’re sure to be delighted with the tree itself while you’re waiting – an attractive, evergreen plant with broad leaves, adding an avocado tree to your indoor décor will make a lovely statement even without the fruit.

The post How to Plant & Grow an Avocado Tree appeared first on Yarden.

This is a fresh-tasting alternative to traditional guacamole. Spread this avocado treat on toasted whole grain pita wedges or corn tortillas for a light, refreshing lunchtime treat!

 Ingredients:

• 3 ripe avocados
• ½ small onion, diced fine
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 3 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed, diced fine
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lime, juiced
• ½ tsp. sea salt

 Directions:

1. Slice avocados in half, remove pit and skin, and place fruit in a mixing bowl. Mash with a fork and make it as chunky or smooth as you’d like.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

The post Easy Guacamole Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients label on salad dressing, you may find yourself wondering what some of those unpronounceable ingredients are!  With this homemade, 6-ingredient avocado dressing, you can be sure that your salads will be tasty and healthy!

Ingredients:

• 1 large avocado
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• ½ Tbsp. fresh lime juice, or sub lemon juice
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tsp.  ground black pepper
• water, as needed

Directions:

1. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh of the avocado into a food processor or small blender.
2. Add the garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Process until smooth, making sure to stop and scrape the sides down a few times.
4. Once smooth, add water in small increments to thin the dressing to your desired consistency.
5. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

The post Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

Using homemade rosemary-infused simple syrup, Meyer lemons, and sparkling wine in place of triple sec, this enhanced version of a lemon drop is perfect for sipping poolside!  It tastes best with all ingredients pre-chilled, so it will require some forethought beforehand, but you can also mix the batch ahead of time and place the pitcher in the fridge to chill.  You can whip up endless variations of this drink by infusing different herbs in the simple syrup, using a flavored vodka, or even make it a mocktail by using zero-proof vodka or tonic water.

Ingredients:

For the simple syrup:

• 1 c. water
• 1/3 c. sugar
• 1 rosemary sprig

For the cocktail:

• Simple syrup, chilled
• 1 c. fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice (about 8 lemons), chilled
• 1/3 c. vodka, chilled
• 2 c. prosecco or sparkling wine, chilled
• Rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the simple syrup:

1. Add water, sugar, and rosemary sprig to a large glass measuring cup or other microwave-safe container. 
2. Microwave on high for 2 ½ minutes. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Let stand for 10 minutes, then discard the rosemary and place in refrigerator to chill.

For the cocktail:

1. In a large pitcher, add simple syrup, Meyer lemon juice, vodka, and wine.
2. Stir gently to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.

Note: For an extra splash of flavor, toss a few of the squeezed lemon rinds into the pitcher before stirring.

The post Sparkling Meyer Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

With its dry and woody flavors, gin can be an acquired taste for many, but using Meyer lemons in place of regular in this classic cocktail gives it a sweeter and less acidic taste.  It makes for a bright and refreshing drink that perfectly balances the botanical tastes of the gin.  Think of it as a boozy, fizzy lemonade!

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. gin
• 2 oz. freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 1 c. club soda, to taste
• Sprig of rosemary or thyme for garnish, optional

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
2. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin to the shaker.  Cover with lid and shake well.
3. Pour mixture into two glasses over ice.
4. Top off the glasses with club soda to taste and garnish, if desired.

The post Meyer Lemon Tom Collins Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

Nothing compares to a crisp, refreshing glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade on ice.  This recipe has two twists for an elevated take on classic lemonade – using Meyer lemons with their sweet, floral qualities, and garnishing with rosemary sprigs for a peppery note.  Easy and elegant!

You can use storebought simple syrup for an even quicker prep time, but if you don’t have it on hand, we’ve included an easy homemade simple syrup recipe you can make in bulk and store. 

After you squeeze the lemons, save the rinds.  Citrus fruits contain oil in their rinds that have an incredible flavor. Squeezing the lemons brings the oil to the surface of the rind, so tossing them into the mixture will add an extra bright flavor to the lemonade.

Keep in mind that rosemary has a very strong flavor and can quickly overpower a recipe.  Less is more with this recipe, as you want to complement the flavor of the Meyer lemons, not smother it.

Ingredients:

• ½ c. fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• 1 c. simple syrup (see recipe below)
• 4 c. water
• Rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and water to a large pitcher.  Stir to combine. 
2. Add squeezed lemon rinds and give a final stir.
3. Chill until ready to serve or serve immediately by pouring over ice.  Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary.

Simple Syrup Recipe

This recipe yields about 3 cups of simple syrup and will keep for months if a sterile jar is used for storing.  Try adding different flavors like lavender or mint during the simmering process to make your own flavor-infused syrups!

Ingredients:

• 2 c. water
• 2 c. sugar

Instructions:

1. Add water and sugar to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over low heat.
2. Simmer for 15-20 seconds, then remove from heat.
3. Allow to cool, then transfer to a sterile glass jar.  Store in refrigerator.

The post Rosemary Meyer Lemonade Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

You’ve got a burning question: Is a calamondin (or calamansi) a kumquat?  Wonder no further, because we’ve got a definitive answer for you!  The answer is . . . kind of.

Okay, so we fibbed a little about having a definitive answer.  A calamondin is actually a hybrid of a kumquat (and a mandarin orange, most likely a tangerine), but because the two share many similarities and due to taxonomy disputes over the years, it can often be difficult to distinguish between the two.  We’ve made this handy chart to help you identify them.

Though the two species have their differences, when it comes to growing conditions, the two can be treated practically identically.  Calamondin and kumquat trees are both adaptable, small trees that can tolerate frost and high humidity. They can both grow in a wide range of climates and are ideal for container culture.  All you have to do is decide which one best suits your Yarden!

The post Is Calamondin (Calamansi) a Kumquat? appeared first on Yarden.

Find out if a calamondin tree is right for your Yarden with this informative overview.

Name: Calamondin vs. Calamansi

This tree has many colloquial names, which can sometimes cause confusion.  In the United States, this tree and its fruit is typically called calamondin, which is an Americanized version of the Tagalog word, kalamunding. Calamansi, which is the Philippine English spelling of the Tagalog word kalamansi, is widely used in the Philippines.  They are both the same tree/fruit and can be used interchangeably.  The fruit is also sometimes called a Philippine lime, lemonsito, golden lime, bitter-sweets, and acid orange.

Origin

While calamondin trees most likely originated in China, they were distributed early and widely to the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia and have become synonymous with the Philippines. Tagalog is a language native to the Philippines, hence the origination of the name calamondin/calamansi. Calamondin trees are a natural hybrid of kumquat and tangerine.

Growth

Calamondin trees are small, bushy evergreens that can grow to be 10–20 feet tall when planted in the ground but can be kept smaller if grown in a container or pruned. Calamondin trees mature quickly and can produce fruit in two years. However, young plants use a lot of energy to produce fruit, so it’s recommended to thin them out in the early years to encourage fewer but larger fruits.

Fruit

The calamondin tree produces a citrus fruit that looks similar to a small, round lime. It has a thin peel that can be green or tangerine colored.  While the fruit has a sour/acidic taste, the peel is sweet.  Calamondins are a great source of vitamin C and D-limonene, and they can be used in cocktails, baked goods, sauces, marinades, and more.

Care

Calamondin trees are cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees F. However, they do not grow well at temperatures consistently below 55 degrees and prefer a range of 70-90 degrees. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce their best blooms. They prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add composted leaves or glass clippings to your ground soil for this.  If you are growing in a pot, add perlite and coarse sand to your potting soil to improve drainage. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead wood, such as brown, dry branches, to allow more energy for healthy growth.

Our citrus tree care kits make it easy to ensure optimal growth of your calamondin tree.

Harvesting

In calamondin’s native countries, harvesting is usually done when the skin is green (unripe), as they are frequently used similar to limes.  They will be especially acidic and tart at this point.  If you would like to eat the fruit, wait to harvest until the fruits are firm and yellow to yellow-orange in color. While calamondin fruit is technically ripe when it is soft and orange in color, it takes nearly a year to reach that point and harvesting it earlier by the above conditions gives it a better flavor.

Never pull the fruit directly off the tree by hand!  Because of their thin skin, this can tear off a small chunk of skin that remains attached to the stem and the fruit will not store as long.  Always use scissors or pruning shears to cut them off the tree just above the stem attachment, so a small piece of stem is still left on the harvested fruit. Calamondin can last 3-7 days at room temperature.  To prolong their life to around two weeks, seal freshly harvested fruits in a ziplock bag and place it in the veggie drawer of your fridge.

The post All About Calamondin (Calamansi) Trees appeared first on Yarden.

Did you know that margaritas are the most popular cocktail in America?  Try a calamansi margarita for a tropical twist on this classic favorite.  The tartness of the calamansi juice adds a bright kick.  Try pairing this cocktail with grilled seafood or your favorite spicy dish. If you prefer a frozen margarita, toss the ingredients in a blender with the ice instead! 

This recipe makes two servings, but feel free to double or triple the recipe as needed, especially if blending.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz tequila blanco
• 1 ½ oz calamansi juice, fresh squeezed
• 1 ½ oz agave syrup (or simple syrup)
• 1 oz orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau)
• 1 oz lime juice, fresh squeezed
• Coarse salt or sugar, for rim
• Calamansi slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice. Add tequila, calamansi and lime juices, agave syrup, and orange liqueur and shake well.
2. Place salt or sugar on a plate slightly larger than the rim of your glasses.  Rub one of the squeezed calamansi halves over the rim of your glasses, then dip in the salt mixture to coat rim.
3. Add ice to two glasses and pour mixture over. Garnish with calamansi slices and enjoy!

The post Calamansi Margaritas Recipe appeared first on Yarden.

Ginger is widely used as an herbal remedy for colds, nausea, and other ailments.  In addition to antioxidants, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. Adding calamansi to ginger tea gives a boost of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.  Finish off with some honey for extra anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and you have a warm and invigorating elixir to help fend off the winter blues. 

Ingredients:

• 2-in. piece of fresh ginger root, peeled
• 2 c. water
• Juice from two calamansi fruits, freshly squeezed
• 2 Tbsp. honey

Instructions:

1. Slice ginger root into thin discs.  Add ginger and water to a small pot on stovetop and bring to a boil.
2. Lower heat, cover pot, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain and discard the ginger.  Add calamansi juice and honey. Stir until honey is dissolved.

Note: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and can be reheated or drank chilled.

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