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Can You Eat Oranges Right Off the Tree?

The fragrant citrus fruit, quats, are often displayed indoors during Tet, carrying a host of auspicious meanings. But are these decorative quats safe to eat? Discover the answer and explore the traditions behind these festive fruits in our insightful article.

Administrator

16 July, 2024

During the Lunar New Year, many people in Vietnam buy kumquat trees, believing they bring good fortune and prosperity. After the holidays, some families reuse these decorative trees for their fruit and leaves. But is this a safe practice? Read on to find out.

Kumquats are a popular decoration during the Lunar New Year

According to Associate Professor and Doctor Nguyen Duy Thinh from the Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the kumquats used for decoration are specifically grown for that purpose, and using them as food is a big mistake.

Doctor Thinh also noted that while kumquats are rich in nutrients such as , , , B11, ,,.. and offer various health benefits like clearing the lungs, expelling phlegm, and relieving colds, these benefits only apply to consumable kumquats, not the decorative ones.

Decorative kumquats are often treated with pesticides, fertilizers, and growth stimulants

This is further supported by Mr. N.V.K from Lien Nghia, Van Giang, Hung Yen, a kumquat farmer, who revealed that in addition to pesticides and fertilizers, growth stimulants are also used to preserve the fruit and enhance its golden color. These chemicals are especially prevalent during unfavorable weather conditions.

Even the growers themselves refrain from consuming decorative kumquats, instead opting to grow separate trees for edible fruit. These trees are not treated with stimulants or pesticides and are cultivated in better soil to ensure their suitability for consumption.

Doctor Phan The Dong, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Nutrition Association, warned that the growth stimulants in decorative kumquats can accelerate the growth of cancer cells and cause endocrine disorders.

It is not advisable to consume kumquats that have been used for decoration

In conclusion, it is not recommended to eat kumquats that have been used for decorative purposes. These kumquats are treated with various chemicals to maintain their appearance and longevity, which can be harmful to human health.

If you wish to reuse your decorative kumquat tree, you can pluck the fruits, trim the branches, and replant it in the ground with careful tending. Only consume the fruits from newly grown trees to ensure they are safe for your health.

Kumquat trees are a beautiful and symbolic part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, but it’s important to refrain from eating the decorative fruit to protect your health. Hopefully, this article has answered your queries and encouraged you to keep decorative kumquats out of your diet to maintain the well-being of your family.