This Vanilla Kumquat Jam Recipe is great as a spread, dessert topping or condiment. This easy compote style jelly will add bright, citrus flavor to any dish!
I love the citrus and vanilla combination. This Kumquat Jam can be made super thick to dollop on top of desserts, spreadable to use as a condiment or thinner to use as more of a syrup.
So I have a shameful little secret. I throw away a lot of produce. I know, cringe. I hate to do it but I just can’t seem to eat it all before it turns, especially organic produce.
There are three main reasons produce rots and spoils:
– Ethylene Gas: Fruits and vegetables give off ethylene gas. Exposing produce to ethylene gas speeds up the ripening process, causing it to over ripen and go bad.
– Improper Airflow: When produce rests against the walls of containers, bags or crispers, moisture can build up and cause rotting.
– Uncontrolled Humidity: Fruits and vegetables require the perfect balance of humidity to keep them crisp and prevent wilting. To make things more difficult, different kinds of produce require different humidity levels.
That is why I am so excited about the new OXO GreenSaver Produce Keeper. It is a system that contains activated carbon filters to trap and absorb ethylene gas to keep produce fresh for longer. The lifted basket promotes airflow and the vent is adjustable to maintain the correct humidity.
Plus they keep my refrigerator looking nice and neat.
Melissa’s Produce sent me some gorgeous kumquats and kale sprouts to try out in my OXO GreenSaver. I already knew that I loved kumquats. But the kale sprouts, those are my new favorite leafy green!
I transferred some kumquats and kale sprouts to the GreenSaver containers and also left some in the original packaging for a comparison. Then I placed them all in my refrigerator and forgot about them for almost 2 weeks! Hey, there is a reason I end up throwing away produce.
After all that time the produce in the GreenSavers was in much better shape than the produce in the original packaging. I used all of the produce in the GreenSaver while I had to pick through the other fruit and veggies.
I sauteed the kale sprouts with some butter and mushrooms. Yum!
And I made this super simple Kumquat Jam with the fresh kumquats.
I ain’t gonna lie. Kumquats are super tedious to deseed. But trust me, they are worth the effort!
This jam recipe is just 5 ingredients: Kumquats, Orange Juice, Water, Sugar and Vanilla Paste.
Cook it on the stove top to your desired consistency then enjoy!
I made a thick version to dollop on top of my Mom’s famous Lemon Cheesecake.
The bright citrus flavor with a hint of vanilla will go perfectly with most desserts. And the color . . . that gorgeous orange color.
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Vanilla Kumquat Jam
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Kumquats - seeds removed *, sliced or chopped
- 1/2 Cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice, about 1 orange
- 1/2 Cup Filtered Water
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Paste
Instructions
- Combine kumquats, oj, water and sugar in a 3qt pot.
- Heat over medium for 7-8 minutes or until mixture begins to boil.
- Reduce heat to medium/low. Continue to lightly simmer while stirring frequently for 35 minutes**. (stir almost continuously the last 10 minutes)
- Jam will be thick and coat the back of a spoon when done.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla paste.
- Transfer to clean airtight container.
- Serve warm or cold.
- Refrigerate and use within 1 week.
Notes
*Sliced kumquats will produce a jam with a bit of chew. For traditional consistency, finely chop kumquats.
**35 minutes will result in a thick compote. Approximately 30 minutes for spreadable jam. And approximately 25 for a syrupy sauce.
Recipe yields 1½ Cups Kumquat Jam.
I received an OXO GreenSaver Produce Keeper and Melissa’s Produce in exchange for a review. As always all opinions are my own.
This is such a pretty jam! I’ve never had a kumquat, but I have seen them in my grocery store. 🙂
I’ve never had kumquats before but dangit, I’m gonna track some down because this jam looks phenomenal! Love the addition of vanilla beans!
Kumquat Jam sounds and looks heavenly, I bet I could eat it straight from the jar xoxo
this is the best recipe that i ever had…. you guys out there you have to try this… it delicious….. a big thank you nicole….
Glad to hear it! Thanks!
where do you get vanilla paste??
I have often found vanilla paste at TJ Maxx. Or you can order it from amazon >>> http://amzn.to/2997QAK
I made your jam. It tastes very good. The cooking times are way off, way too long. I did not use the vanilla because I forgot it, but that isn’t a problem. I cut thin circles like you, but they are still quite chewy. I think I will use the processor and make bits next time.
Thank you for the feedback and tip!
Good recipe, but agree on the time. I could only go about ten minutes before it turned very thick and gooey. Thanks for posting!~
Thanks for coming back to leave feedback from your experience 🙂
made your jam yesterday and ..wow! other than getting the seeds out it was very easy. now i know what to do with all the kumquats on my tree. i cooked them for about 37 minutes and it came out like the consistency of orange marmelade i have bought from the stores.
That is wonderful!
I used this recipe today with a little over 8 cups of sliced kumquats. It filled 8 half-pint jars. Looks and tastes amazing! I gave them a 10 minute water bath and can hear the jars popping now. I’m excited to give them as gifts and keep some for myself of course !