Calamondin/Calamansi

Scientifically known as Citrofortunella microcarpa, of the Family Rutaceae; calamansi is a fruit tree ranging in height from 2 meters to 71/2 meters when full grown. Alternate names are calamondin orange; Chinese or China orange; Panama orange; golden lime; scarlet lime; and in the Philippines, kalamondin, kalamunding, kalamansi, calamansi, limonsito, or agridulce.
Malayan names are limaukesturi(musk lime) and limauchuit. In Thailand it is ma-nao-wan.

The fruit is round, about 2 cm to 4.5cm in diameter, and greenish-yellow in color. Although known to be native to the Philippines or other areas of Southeast Asia, the tree is in fact the result of a hybrid between species in the Genera Citrofortunella and unknown in the wild.

Like its relatives, such as the mandarin, pomelo and sweet orange; the calamansi is rich in phosphorus,calcium,iron, and Vitamin C or ascorbic acid. It is the most commonly used citrus fruit in the Philippines, ranging in use from marinades to marmalade. The juice is quite sour and makes you pucker but mixed with water and sugar makes for a tasty and refreshing beverage. With its alkalinizing effect on the body, calamansi helps circulate blood evenly and facilitates normal digestion. It is also the simplest cure for Scurvy(a disease caused by a lack of Vitamin C in the body).

The plant grows well in cool and elevated areas and in sandy soils rich in organic matter. In North America, it is grown mainly as an ornamental plant and can be especially attractive when the fruit are present. It is frost sensitive and therefore limited to warmer climates. It is moderately drought-tolerant.

HealthFirst unsweetened calamansi powder in canisters. Now you can enjoy the taste of the Philippine Islands right in your own home.





References:
The Citrus Industry(Calamansi),Philippine Council for Agriculture,Forestry and Natural Resources Research Development,DOST,June 1999

Morton,J. 1987.Calamondin p. 176-178. In:Fruits of Warm climates. Julia F. Morton,Miami Florida

Mabberly,D.J. 1987. The Plant Book. A portable dictionary of the higher plants. Cambridge University Press,Cambridge. ISBN 0521340608

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