Calamansi (Calamondin/kalamansi) is a citrus tree that produces fresh, plump, and juicy lime-like fruits. Calamansi juice is a fruit-based beverage that is refreshing.
Calamansi is a lime tree cultivar native to Southeast Asian nations. Its juice is a key ingredient in various Southern Asian cuisines, including those found in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia.
It is a staple ingredient in a large number of Malaysian recipes as well as Nyonya or Peranakan cuisine.
Lemon is a sort of citrus fruit that is a cross between the fruits of the orange and the fruit of lime. Although it contains orange fruit and pulp, the liquid is bitter and sour.
Calamansi lime, in my opinion, provides superior tastes and aromas to Japanese yuzu lime.
Unlike other lime varieties, it possesses a distinctly lemony scent.
Although citrus is not yet widely available in the United States, I predict that many chefs will quickly find its culinary complexity.
Calamansi juice is used in the following Malaysian recipes:
- Sambal belacan. In Malaysia, this is the chili condiment. Its zesty taste is derived from calamansi lime juice.
- Penang Asam Laksa
- Siam Mee
- Bakar Ikan (Grilled Fish with Banana Leaves)
Calamansi juice is my fave. It’s a cold beverage made by extracting the juice and adding it to an iced drink.
The beverage is refreshing and delectable, particularly on a hot summer day!
You may purchase the plant or tree from Home Depot or Lowes during the summer.
Calamondin is the name given to the tree/plant. The extract or juice concentrate is available in various Filipino markets in the United States of America.
Local traders extract the juice and concentrate it into a liquid that may be frozen or chilled for lengthy periods. The drink recipe has a calorie count of only 93 per serve.
Serve the chilled beverage alongside some traditional Malaysian fare. I recommend the recipes below.
INGREDIENTS:
- 5 calamansi, halved
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup crushed ice
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a glass, squeeze the juice. Combine sugar, water, and ice in a large mixing bowl. Serve at room temperature.