Dade City’s annual Kumquat Festival returns January 31 in downtown Dade City, bringing together more than 300 vendors and sponsors for a celebration of the tiny citrus fruit. The Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce hosts the event during peak kumquat season, when local growers harvest the grape-sized fruit that’s smaller than a tangerine but packed with big flavor.
The festival transforms downtown streets into a marketplace where creative vendors showcase kumquat-infused products ranging from marmalade and pies to beer and smoothies. Greg Gude from the Kumquat Growers Association demonstrates traditional kumquat marmalade preparation, using a simple recipe that combines 1.5 cups of fresh kumquats, sugar, water and Sure Jell pectin. The process involves grinding the whole fruit, rind and all, then mixing with sugar and water before cooking.
For Dade City, the kumquat represents more than just a fruit with a funny name. The annual festival offers visitors a authentic small-town Florida experience while supporting local growers who bring their harvest to market. Bakers, brewers and smoothie creators all participate in the event, united by their creative use of the distinctive citrus fruit.
The kumquat belongs to the citrus family but stands apart with its unique size and characteristics. Unlike other citrus fruits, kumquats can be eaten whole, with the sweet rind balancing the tart interior. The festival showcases this versatility through dozens of vendor booths featuring kumquat-based products and recipes that highlight the fruit’s distinctive flavor profile.
Originally reported by fox13news.com
Sources: fox13news.com
