http://www.news-press.com/article/20091220/LIFESTYLES/912200321/1013/LIFESTYLES/Tropicalia-tastes--Calamondins-are-as-tast-as-they-are-hardy
Tropicalia tastes: Calamondins are as tasty as they are hardy
By Amy Bennett Williams awilliams@news-press.com December 20, 2009
Calamondins are one of the old-fashioned winter bonuses Southwest Florida offers - juicy little flame-colored gems that light up almost anything they're added to.
Now through late spring, these exotic citrus trees bear their vivid, mini-tangerine-looking fruits.
Extremely tart, calamondins are excellent for juice drinks (though probably not straight-up, unless you're a real fan of sour) cocktails, marinades, salad dressings and desserts.
A Philippines native, calamondins thrive throughout the tropics and subtropics, including Southwest Florida, where they grow robustly.
For some reason, calamondins are immune to many of the problems that plague other citrus varieties, and are very cold-tolerant.
Danny Blank, of Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization in North Fort Myers, points out that they also do well in our hot, wet summers. Plus, Blank says, they have a long fruiting season and can be picked even when green.
Like other citrus trees, calamondins should be planted in well-drained soil, or on a raised mound. The tree may require occasional fertilizer and should be irrigated from March through June, Blank says. The tree's soil shouldn't dry out; it should be moist but not wet.
Calamondin-Cranberry relish
2 cups calamondin
3 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 package of fresh cranberries
Peel and rinse the calamondins. Slice and remove the seeds. Cut into thin pieces. Place in water and add sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer for more than 10 minutes. Add cranberries. Cook until the cranberry skins pop open. Mash it as desired and let cool.
Grow your own
ECHO's Tropical Fruit Nursery sells calamondin trees; prices vary depending on size. The nursery is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Saturday except holidays at 17391 Durrance Road, North Fort Myers. Call first to make sure they're in stock: 567-1900.
