Centennial Variegated Kumquats, Kumquat Growers Inc, Dade City, Fla.

When you think tart citrus, Kumquats come to mind. But that's not the case with Centennial Variegated kumquats, developed in 1993. They are shaped like a pear and have reddish stripes on their orange skin when they are ripe.

Centennial Variegated kumquats at different stages of
ripeness, from Kumquat Growers Inc, Dade City, Fla.

The flesh is orange, juicy, and tastes like a cross between a Mandarin orange and Kumquat.

Centennial Variegated kumquats on tree at Kumquat
Growers, Inc, Dade City, Fla.

I was fortunate enough try these exotic fruit while on a tour of Kumquat Growers, Inc. in Dade City, Florida. There was just one bush, near the loading bay, with pale yellow striped leaves and clusters of fruit. My tour guide, Mrs. Gude, said that her father-in-law had planted the bush. The fruit is not grown commercially and so I felt privileged to have access.

If ever you get a chance to try one, take it. Or if you are in the Dade City area of Florida visit Kumquat Growers Inc., and ask if you can have a fruit.