Kumquat Compote | Symbol of Prosperity in Japanese Osechi | Wealthy New Year Tradition GET RICH 2024!

Symbolizing Wealth and Prosperity

Kumquat Compote, known as “Kinkan-no-Kanroni” (金柑の甘露煮) in Japanese, is a delightful addition to Osechi Ryori, symbolizing wealth and prosperity for the upcoming year.

When transformed into a compote, the vibrant and tangy kumquats bring forth a burst of sweet and slightly tart flavors that harmonize beautifully with the overarching theme of auspiciousness in this traditional New Year’s cuisine.

In this dish, the kumquats, prized for their golden color and symbolism of abundance and prosperity, are gently simmered in a syrup made from sugar, water, and a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness, sometimes other ingredients like ginger.

With Seeds or Without Seeds?

To prepare the kumquate, remove stem and cut the slit all around the kumquat to cook faster and softer.

Take out the seeds if you want from the slit.
Gently push out the seeds out from the slit using skewer.

I do not care if seeds are inside, so I always leave them.
Actually, while cooking, the seeds soften, and you don’t realize the seeds are in there.

Add sugar in 2 stages to cook softer.

After boiling for 5 minutes to remove the bitterness, drain and put the kumquat back in the clean pot.

Adding sugar in 2 stages and the slow simmering process allows the kumquats to absorb the sweetness of the syrup while retaining their unique citrusy essence and texture.

Here I use rock sugar that dissolve slower than regular sugar.
Because when you add the sugar at once, the moisture in the kumquat will draw out and harden. But if you always use regular sugar. If that tha case, add sugar in 3 stages in every 10 minutes.

Use Drop-lid

The Drop Lid is made of parchment paper, locks the flavor, and cooks effectively in the pot.

As you see in the video, drop lid is easy to make!

The visual appeal of the kumquats, resembling miniature oranges, is also an essential aspect of their inclusion in Osechi Ryori. Their golden hue is reminiscent of coins, evoking the idea of wealth and good fortune for the household in the coming year.

The Kumquat Compote, with its rich flavors and auspicious symbolism, embodies the hopes for financial prosperity and abundance in the New Year, adding a deliciously meaningful touch to the diverse array of dishes that make up the symbolic and celebratory Osechi Ryori.

It will keep two weeks in the fridge.