Calamansi or calamondin (Citrofotunella microcarpa) is a fruit tree native
to the Philippines. Among the citrus species, it is the most often grown
garden tree due to its adaptability to a wide range of environmental
conditions. It is a small tree with a height ranging from 2 meters to 7 ½
meters at maturity. Its large, egg-shaped leaves have a pale green
underside and a dark green upper surface. The fruit is round, about 2cm
to 4.5cm in diameter, and greenishyellow in color.
The calamansi fruit, like its relatives the mandarin, pomelo, and sweet
orange, is high in iron, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C, also known as
ascorbic acid. Its juice is nutritious and traditionally made into a fruit drink
that helps strengthen the bones and stimulate growth especially among
growing children. It can be used to a variety of food preparations,
including fish steak, or used as a flavoring element in sweets like leche
flan. Its pulp is a key component of syrups concentrates, purees, and
drinks. The peel is used to make marmalade, sweets, and jams. With its
alkalizing effect on the body, calamansi helps circulate blood evenly and
facilitates normal digestion. Filipinos can have a year-round supply of this
versatile citrus fruit by growing the plant right in their front yards or
backyards or even in big plant boxes (Department of Agriculture, 2022).
Calamansi, also referred to as “lemonsito” by Bisaya-speaking Filipinos
and “kalamunding” by Kapampangan, is a native citrus plant in the
Philippines. Originating from the Philippines, this plant species was initially
brought to other regions of Asia by traders who traversed the trade routes
between East Africa and India. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has
recognized calamansi as a highly significant fruit crop cultivated
throughout the Philippines, owing to its extensive output nationwide.
Moreover , in the study of (Straut Jr., 2016) he stated that calamansi have
properties such as aromatic,antiseptic, antiphlogistic,carminative,
deodorant, refrigerant and have suggested
antimicrobial,antianxiety,antidepressant, hepatoprotective, expectorant
and antioxidant properties. Moreover , another study evaluated the
antiangiogenic and antioxidant properties of different concentrations of
calamansi ethanolic peel extract can reducethe number of blood vessels
that can trigger cancer progression and more powerful antioxidant
property than the ascorbic acid (Anonymous, 2016).
Calamansi has been utilized as a traditional medicinal treatment for many
years due to its abundant quantities of Vitamin C and other advantageous
components. Boosting the immune system performance may aid in
combating illnesses such as the common cold or flu viruses. In addition to
its immune-enhancing qualities, calamansi can also assist in digestion.
Calamansi is recognized for its natural ability to alleviate symptoms of
acid reflux, bloating, and gas, making it an effective digestive aid. Despite
its elevated citric acid content, individuals consume it as a calming agent
for the gastrointestinal tract due to its capacity to enhance digestion and
mitigate the occurrence of diarrhea.
Related Studies
As cited by the study of (Maria Ysabel T. Morte in 2017) Citrus fruits such
as calamansi, is utilized mainly for its pulp and juice, the rest of the fruit
or the pressed pulp, covering of pulp segment,seeds, and the rind are
considered largest source of citrus waste, finding a way to utilize it will
also help the environment. The pulp of this fruit possesses a unique tangy
taste that can be characterized as a combination of lime and orange.
Many individuals have observed that its tartness complements other
juices, such as banana, apple, grape, papaya, mango, and even coconut
water (Business Mirror, 2023). Furthermore , the pulp of the calamansi is
can be used in making juice, jams, bleaching agents,
cosmetics,vinegar,powders, win, marinades, flavor enhancers, chasers,
hair conditioners, deodorant,Vitamin C supplements, disinfectants, and
deodorizers
Additionally, calamansi juice included calcium and potassium. These
minerals mitigated the likelihood of kidney stone formation by regulating
blood pressure, inhibiting mineral excretion in urine (which can lead to
kidney stones), and diminishing inflammation. In addition to its effect in
preventing kidney stones, calamansi juice also promotes kidney health.
