General Information
The Calamondin is also known as a Philippino Lime, Musk Lime and Panama orange or scarlet lime. Thin skinned, pleasantly tart and great flavor all contribute to making this a delicious fruit. This sour fruit has a sweet peel and offers a taste bud explosion when eaten whole. The Calamondin can be frozen and used as ice cubes for iced tea or ginger ale, is also perfect for making marmalades.
Calamondin is of unknown parentage but is labeled an acid mandarin, a mandrin or kumquat hybrid or its own species, Citrus mitis. Whatever the casem this valuable ornamental is kumquatlike. The fruit is small, bright orange-red, and often borne in clusters.
History
Originally, Calamondins are native to China. They were introduced early on to southeast Asian countries, and can now be found especially in Indonesia and the Philippines. In 1899, they were introduced to Florida, and grow well both there and in California.
