Dade City’s Kumquat Festival is a foodie experience like no other. This festival celebrates all things “kumquat”.
A kumquat is best described as an orange-like fruit that is commonly native to Southeast Asia but, in this case, grown in Dade City, Florida. Each year, traditionally the third Saturday in January, downtown Dade City welcomes thousands of visitors who flock to eat and buy all things kumquats. This year, the festival will be held on March 27, 2021.
How to Eat Them
Eating a kumquat is much like eating a grape. It’s not meant to be peeled but enjoyed all at once. It’s lovingly called “natures sweet tart” due to it’s tart, tangy flavor.
What to Eat
At the festival, kumquats can be bought by the bunch but there is wide variety of other treats to enjoy. There are jams, there are jellies, there are spreads there are sauces, there is salsa and there’s honey. There are breads and baked goods too, but the Hail Mary of all kumquat treats is the kumquat ice cream. This creamsicle-like flavored goodness can only be found once a year, at one vendor at this festival. When we say it’s some of the best ice cream we’ve ever had, we mean it.
Pie, Pie Me of My!
BUT, the most famous food of the festival, other than the kumquat itself, is kumquat pie. As much as the festival is centered around kumquats, it’s second, most beloved item is pie. Taste and compare each vendor’s own special recipe to determine which slice is best. Hint, they’re all pretty darn good.
Non-Edible Treats
Not only can you eat all things kumquat but you can wear it too! Non-edible treats include lotions, balms and body butters that were all created from the little fruit. Smelling like a kumquat smells pretty darn good– if sunshine were a scent, this would be it.
There are plenty of other specialty vendors including crafts, home goods, art and more. We recommend you come hungry and guarantee you’ll leave happy.
Learn more about the festival here.
Click Here To Check Out Our Member Properties & Plan Your Next Florida Vacation Today
