This Kumquat recipe is a Chinese sore throat remedy, for the next time you are sick – just add a couple of kumquats to your mug, mash them with a fork and fill with hot water. Swirl in a bit of honey.

jaden holding salted kumquat

Why This Salted Kumquat Recipe Is So Good

  • A traditional Chinese remedy for sore throat, which has been around for generations.
  • Easy to make.
  • Keeps indefinitely in the fridge.

Ingredients

  • Kumquats
  • Kosher Salt

How To Make This Chinese Salted Kumquats Recipe – Step By Step

  • In a mason jar, add alternating layers of kumquat and salt until the jar is completely filled and the kumquats are somewhat smushed tightly inside.
  • Cover and refrigerate indefinitely, but at least for 2 weeks.

To Make The Tea

  • Make tea from the kumquats mixture to help heal a sore throat.
  • In a glass, add 2-3 salted kumquats, some of the salt mixture, hot water and honey until it is drinkable. Choke it down. Feel better.

salted kumquat recipe

A Tried And Tested Remedy For Sore Throats

One of my Mom’s favorite remedies for sore throat is salted, preserved kumquat mixed in hot water and a little honey. Basically, it’s just like making Moroccan preserved lemons, but with kumquat. 

Salt For Sore Throats

Several studies have found that  warm saltwater can reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus, helping to flush out irritants or bacteria. The kumquats soak up salt and disperse it in the tea. 

Health Benefits Of Kumquats

Kumquats are an excellent source of vitamin C. They’re also rich in fiber and water, making them a weight loss friendly food.

Because kumquat peels are edible, you can tap into their rich reservoirs of plant compounds. These have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties.

The vitamin C and plant compounds in kumquats help bolster the immune system to fight infections and may help reduce your risk of certain cancers.

Where Can I Buy Kumquats?

Kumquats grown in the United States are in season from November through June, but availability may vary depending on where you live.

If you wait until the end of the season to look for them, you may miss out.

Check for kumquats in supermarkets, gourmet food stores and Asian grocery stores. If you live in a state where the fruits are grown, you also may find them at farmers markets.

The most common variety sold in the United States is the Nagami, which has an oval shape. The Meiwa variety is also popular, and is round and a bit sweeter.

If you can’t find kumquats in local grocery stores, you can also order them online.

pouring slat into mason jar

Top Tips For This Chinese Salted Kumquat Recipe

  • Keep in mind that the salt will take up a lot of room. So, the bigger the mason jar the better!
  • Make sure to give the mason jar a good shake from time to time.
  • This Salted Kumquat recipe keeps indefinitely, but I like to make a fresh batch at the start of each winter season.

Chinese Salted Kumquat Recipe Video

Check Out These Other Kumquat Recipes

Have you tried this Salted Kumquat recipe? Feel free to leave a star rating and I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

 

Chinese Salted Kumquat Recipe

Jaden Hair
This Kumquat recipe is a Chinese sore throat remedy, for the next time you are sick - just add a couple of kumquats to your mug, mash them with a fork and fill with hot water. Swirl in a bit of honey.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
refrigerate 14 days
Total Time 5 minutes
Course extra
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 1 jar
Calories 142 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • Kumquats (enough to fully smush into the jar)
  • Kosher Salt (enough to fill in all the cracks)

Instructions
 

  • In a mason jar, add alternating layers of kumquat and salt until the jar is completely filled and the kumquats are somewhat smushed tightly inside. Cover and refrigerate indefinitely, but at least for 2 weeks.

For the Salted Kumquat Tea

  • Make tea from the kumquats mixture to help heal a sore throat. In a glass, add 2-3 salted kumquats, some of the salt mixture, hot water and honey until it is drinkable. Choke it down. Feel better.

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 56607mgPotassium: 372mgFiber: 13gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 580IUVitamin C: 88mgCalcium: 159mgIron: 2mg
Keyword kumquat recipe, salted kumquats, sore throat remedy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!