Ecological, organic Kumquat
Organic Kumquat, a citrus superfood
Organic Kumquat
Fusion of sweet, sour and bitter
The kumquat is an exotic fruit that belongs to the citrus family, orange in colour and so small that it fits in the fist of the hand (2 to 4 cm). It is a citrus fruit native to Asia. This citrus superfood is also called dwarf orange or Chinese orange.
It has characteristic features that make it a unique fruit; the most remarkable one is the explosion of flavors. A wonderful flavor fusion between sweet, sour and bitter. With a slightly sweet edible rind in contrast to its pulp. It is a fruit that is usually eaten raw, has a very thin skin and is easily peeled, although many consumers eat it whole.
The organic kumquat is a great source of nutrients, which along with other types of citrus fruits, is conquering the palate of the most demanding.
Nutrients and properties
A citrus fruit superfood
Organic Kumquat, or bio kumquat, has a large vitamin C load. It strengthens the immune system against viruses, fungi and bacteria. It contains calcium, which is excellent for maintaining healthy bones, and at the same time, is invaluable because it protects the body against oxygen-free radicals. It is also a source of; vitamins A, group vitamins (vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6) and vitamin E.
It has a high content of antioxidants and many other vitamins that support the skin’s protective barrier against the carcinogenic effects of the sun and with benefits for hair and teeth.
It is also rich in potassium. Eating 100 grams gives us almost 90 mg of this element. It also contains minerals: sodium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium. But its properties are many more; it provides proteins, fats, fiber, carbohydrates and simple sugars and contains few calories.
It is not surprising that especially in Asia this fruit is commonly used for its medicinal applications.
Respect for the environment
Proper use of natural resources
As producers of organic kumquat, we are keen to keep a healthy soil, free of pesticides and use organic fertilizers instead. We maintain a long-term sustainable cultivation system with natural fertilizers, organic matter, mineral oil, algae and vegetable compost that guarantees the fertility of the soil.
Organic Kumquat is planted in very humid soil. In Bionest use water very efficiently, using very precise drip irrigation techniques to keep the soil in ideal conditions. With the techniques of rain and river water harvesting we safeguard and avoid the depletion of the aquifers in the area.
Organic / biological agricultural techniques
There are about 5 different varieties of Kumquat. The Kumquat variety that we produce in Bionest is the Nagami “Fortunella margarita” variety.
They are characterised by their versatility, in terms of their ability to withstand low temperatures. Among all citrus fruits it is the most resistant to cold weather, withstanding up to -5ºC although they are more sensitive to high temperatures.
The fruit grows from a tree (evergreen shrub) of up to 4 meters approximately. They are trees without thorns, and require the use of rootstocks from other citrus fruits, such as bitter orange, in order for them to thrive. They grow slowly and require a deep process of maturation on wet soil in the right measure, neither wet nor soggy. It must be kept in this state and protected from the invasion of weeds that compete for soil and nutrients. Some of the most common pests and diseases in this crop are; white fly, fruit fly, aphids, citrus leafminer and alternaria alternata. They are already well known by our agricultural technicians and are easily fought with the right knowledge
.
Our organic production techniques are in complete harmony with the environment, and to guarantee the care of the ecosystem we use:
- Drip irrigation or exudative hose, which guarantees the humidity of soil, and also, the potential saving of water. (They require less water than other citrus fruits).
- Water resources: use and reuse of river water.
- Manual and mechanical weed control.
- Biological control method: We grow plants (lavender, barley rosemary and wheat) that attract predatory insects and parasites to maintain pest control. In addition to pollinating bees.
During the first three months of sowing we use special organic fertilizers for strong and stable long-term growth. Due to its great vegetative development in its first phases, it requires a greater contribution of nitrogen in its beginnings and a supply of potassium in the phase of fattening and maturation.
In Bionest we plant our Kumquat trees with a separation of about 3 meters between plants, and the pruning during their growth is rather subtle in order to maintain a natural and positive growth.
Research, Development and investment, (R&D)
Bionest is at the forefront of organic farming. We are responding to changing consumer preferences, which are placing increasing importance on food production methods. There is a clear need and responsibility for change that integrates product quality and environmental care.
We use self-developed sustainable techniques to maintain the quality of the fruit as well as its shelf life. We use ozone in the cold rooms to disinfect and protect the products from microorganisms (bacteria, mold, fungi and viruses) eliminating residues and bad odors, so the disinfection is absolute. With this, we also avoid the entry of contamination or transmission of flavors, so the use of these chambers is allowed, without risk, for a variety of other fruits.
The continuous investment to develop varieties of fruits with more flavor, more resistant and with less need of water are key to have one of the best organic kumquat in the market. We want the fruit to be more resistant to travel and have a longer time of commercial use.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility is the management strategy of Bionest that we are most proud of; we take into account social interests, environmental protection, care for good relations with the environment around us, the community and our company’s employees.
Our concern to maintain sustainable social and economic development is constant. We strive to exercise professional work and give our workers dignified employment while safeguarding their individual, family and social needs.
Commitment, quality, health and transparency
Our employees are highly qualified professionals, in constant preparation and development. We are aware that human capital is one of the driving forces behind this project. Therefore, we are committed to:
- Ethical labour contracting.
- Offering a job board to the nearest towns to promote local employment.
- The maintenance of a fair and supportive working environment.
Exports
We export organic Kumquat throughout Europe with the maximum guarantees
To export organic kumquat we comply with the regulations required by the European authorities on organic farming.
Every year we pass the most rigorous audits to renew the certificate that confirms our high standards of quality and durability, sustainability by the Federation of Organic Agriculture. We renew the Andalusian CAEE Certification, and the seals of the European Regulation (UE-Eco- Regulation), Bio Suisse, BRC Global Standard for Food Safety or Global G.A.P.
WE PRODUCE ORGANIC KUMQUAT FROM DECEMBER TO JANUARY
WE PRODUCE ORGANIC KUMQUAT FROM
DECEMBER TO JANUARY
Our production schedule
Our Organic Kumquat’s season
It is an evergreen tree and during the summer is when the organic Kumquat flowers abundantly. The harvest is ready when the fruit is bright orange, just right for picking in winter.
We only export organic Kumquat for two months a year. December and January. Due to the growing demand and short time to market, we have optimized the buying and selling and transport processes in order to be able to supply our most demanding customers.
Packaging
Attractive eco-friendly packaging
Exporting Kumquat and its final sale in supermarkets and department stores entails an ecological commitment that goes from our orchard to the point of sale.
Strict quality controls must also be applied during the packing and wrapping system. We use micro-perforated film that allows the fruit to be stacked neatly inside the cartons, as well as the bag to be puffed up in its packaging and the fruit to be protected from UV rays.
Variety in terms of presentation formats is one of the most important areas in Bionest. We make a constant effort to offer attractive and sustainable packaging and provide creative and varied options. We are in constant communication with our clients to make the most innovative suggestions and demands of the market come true.
For more information, please contact us and we will send you our product catalogue:
If you need information about this product, its certifications, our management and export, do not hesitate to contact us by calling our telephone number above or sending an email to jmrholgado@bionest.es.
