Wednesday, June 3, 2009

What is Calamansi got to do with Sambal Belachan?


Our five year old Calamansi tree in our backyard is laden with fruits at this time of the year. Many Singaporeans call it “sng kum” others call it “keat lah” and in Malay, it is known as limau kasturi. I always remember this wonderful and refreshing thirst quencher during my army training in my national service days. Although we had been told by our team leader not to take any fruits without the gardener’s permission or even if they were found growing in an abandoned fruit orchard within the training area. It was just impossible for every mother’s son not to pocket such a tempting thirst quencher along the training route.


The fruit of the calamansi resembles a large marble, usually 25-35mm in diameter, but sometimes up to 40mm. These limes have a distinct aroma with a very thin green peel and turning orange when ripen. When cut opened, it reveals a yellow or orange flesh. Many first time taster are mistaken by it appearance and aroma and often leads to a pleasant surprise, the taste of the fruit itself is quite sour, though the peel is sweet. It is often used as a condiment for a variety of dishes from the spicy sautéed rice noodle called Mee Siam to Mee Rebus and the juice are often squeezed into pounded sambal belachan just before serving. The peels are not discarded but added into the sambal belachan to provide a unique flavour.


SAMBAL BELACHAN RECIPE:


150g red chillies

50g belachan, toasted

3 pcs. Kasturi lime juice


Using the mortar and pestle, pound chilli until seeds are finely grounded. Add belachan and blend into the chilli to form a thick consistency paste. Add lime juice and peel before serving.

43 comments:

  1. may i know where to find a cheap mortar and pestle please?

    what is a good price to pay for one? i see some selling $20 or above kind.. i tot they should be a few dollars like $5.. hehe

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Uncle Phil
    Is this lime tree similiar to the kaffir lime? What would it be called in the nurseries here? is it Tahitian lime? My lime tree is getting attacked by insects, my lemon tree lagi worse, it was recovering but then dying for no reason, its quite a young tree too. Do you know what to do?
    Joanna

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi BY,
    We bought our mortar for $25 at Target during their 30% storewide discount sales a couple of years ago. We recommend that you buy at least a 8 inches mortar in diameter to prevent ingredients from spilling out when pounded.
    Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Joanna,
    The botanical name is citrofortunella microcarpa in the family Rutaccae and a member of citrofortunella. It may be sold under the tradename of Calamansi or Kalamansi in the nurseries. It is different from kaffir lime (citrus hystrix) The kaffir leaves are used to cook famous Thai dishes like green curry and tomyam soup. The kaffir leaf looks like a figure "8" just like two leaves joined together.
    It is not tahitian lime (citrus aurantifalia)either.
    The tahitian lime fruit is much bigger and it is seedless.
    The citrus trees need full sun. Keep well water when the fruits start forming in spring and early summer. Mulch with compost or leaves litters but keep away from touching the stem or trunk. Good Luck.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for the info Uncle Phil,I have the kaffir lime tree, they used to produce fruit, but not anymore. I will take note about the upkeep of citrus trees.
    Joanna

    ReplyDelete
  6. Greeting Uncle. Just stumbled across your site. Interesting Journal and love it already. I am Indonesian born Australian. I live not too far from where you are. Just wondering though.. would you kindly share the name of your supplier of your Calamansi tree?? I've looking to grow one with no success. Thank you. Kidzhouse

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Uncle,
    What a fantastic site you have. Thanks for sharing.

    Do you know where I can source a calamansi tree from in Sydney? I would love to grow my own.
    Thanks,
    Luke

    http://moblog.doherty.net.au

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Uncle,
    I'm Malaysian and now living in Melbourne south east, i have tried hard to find calamansi plant but no success.I would really appreciate if you could tell from where have u got your calamansi plant. I would love to get one. Thanks
    Kind Regards
    Gill

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Luke, Gill and Anonymous,
    I am sorry for this late reply. Somehow all these comments got lost in my older postings and I find it hard to track them once I click on the publish button. Please email me if you your comment needs a reply from me.
    I got my calamansi plant from propagating a cutting I took from a friend. I understand you can get this plant from the Bunnings Warehouse in Sydney.
    I will try propagating some cuttings during this period of winter dormancy and hope that they are successful to give them away to you guys.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Uncle Phil

    I am a Singaporean living in Sydney for many years and I can't seems to find Calamansi lime for sale in Chinatown. Being a keen cook myself, when cooking Mee Siam and making chilli sauce for Hainanese Chicken Rice, normal lime just don't have that distinct sour note. I would love a cutting from you if you have some available after winter.

    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Patrick,
    It would be nice to know and meet another old timer in Sydney. I am afraid you have to wait until spring before I propagate the calamansi palnt by air layering method. This will produce a faster fruiting plant. Please keep in contact.
    Cheers,
    Phil

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Phil

    Thanks, I will surely be keeping in contact. Have a great weekend.

    Patrick

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Uncle,

    I am also looking for calamansi plant here in Melbourne. The closest match is round kumquat which is selling for $30 in bunnings. Are they actually the same?

    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Lisa,
    Although they belong to same family Rutaceae, I find them different in taste. The round kumquat you mentioned is the "kart chye" plant we use for Chinese New Year decoration back home. Whereas the calamansi is the "sng kum we use to eat with Hokkien Mee. It is very sour in taste. The Round Kumquat also known as Marumi Kumquat or Morgani Kumquat) is an evergreen tree, producing edible golden-yellow colored fruit. The fruit is small and usually round but can be oval shaped. The peel has a sweet flavor but the fruit has a sour center.
    I do not know the Melbourne weather is kind to the sng kum plant.
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  15. I really didn't know that. All along, I've been looking for chinese new year 'kat chye' which i thought is 'sng kum' when they are still green. I see lots of kumquat plants/trees in my neighbourhood, would love to try calamansi. I might visit sydney coming christmas, do you think you can spare a cutting for me?
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Lisa,
    Of course, you can have a cutting. How could we refuse especially you come all the way from Melbourne. But we have to keep our fingers cross for a successful propagation in spring. Keep in contact.
    Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi there Uncle Phil

    I have recently returned from a trip to Malaysia where I learnt how to cook some Malaysian dishes. Since then I have been doing quite a bit of research on the little limes that they use in drinks. So far your blog has been the most helpful! Thank you!!

    I have called up Bunnings to see if they can get one in for me. But I just have one question - when I do a google search on the scientific name that you mention above it sometimes comes up with pictures of what appears to be mandarins. If the fruit stays on the tree for long enough do they turn orange?

    Look forward to your reply
    Eunie

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Eunie,
    It is nice to know that you have learnt how to cook some Malaysian dishes from your resent visit to Malaysia. On our last balek kampung early this year, we had enjoyed a refreshing drink made from preserved Kumquat(Kart chye) and managed to get the recipe from the stall owner after promising that we won't set up a stall next to her. Haha.
    The Calamansi's fruit (sny kum) does turn from green to orange when ripened. It may take the whole summer depending on where it is grown in Australia.
    We look forward to read about your new recipes that you have learnt.
    Cheers,

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Uncle Phil,
    I was just wondering if you happen to know what the nutritional benefits of Calamansi are? I just tried a Calamansi fruit drink today and this is the first time I've ever heard of the fruit! I must add, it tastes splendid!
    Thanks!
    Colin

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Colin,
    I reckon it must be as good as any other citrus fruits. Yes, it is a refreshing fruit drink on its own. When I was a child, it was served with "sian chow" (glass jelly). Do the drink sellers in Singapore still serve them in this way?

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Uncle Phil

    We attended our sons wedding last week in Perth and met up wiht our lovely new daughter inlaws family.As they are from the Philippines I was fortunate to be introduced to a beautiful Pancit and the very delicious Calamansi juice..WOW! We live in sydney and I am on the hunt for a tree and if it is possible to purchase the fruit in Sydney.... Can you please advise me as I am hooked Thanks Sue

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Sue,
    Congratulations on your sons wedding.Try Cabramatta for buying the calamansi plant but you have to wait until spring to buy the fruits.Unfortunately not many shops stock them.
    Email me to add your name to list of my followers for a cutting from my calamansi tree.
    Cheers,
    Phil

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi uncle Phil,
    I would like to be added to the list to get a cutting from your calamansi tree. Thank you for your generosity. kathytsai@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Kathy,
    You just missed the last round. I only managed to get three successful cuttings from the recent attempt and have given all away to those high on the list. Are you living in Sydney?

    Cheers,
    Phil

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi uncle Paul,
    I don't live in Sydney. I live in Brisbane.
    That's fine. Thank you. :)

    Cheers,
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi uncle phil,

    Your wonderful blog has always made me feel closer to home! My husband and i and our 2 year old baby have just moved to sydney from malaysia about a month ago.... Was planning to make some chicken rice but since i couldnt find and sng kum in the market, my plan has been on hold .... The chilli needs to be top notch when it comes to chicken rice right? :)

    Would appreciate if you do come across any places selling this calamansi plant, you could let me know please? I am still not too familiar with places here in sydney.

    Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Anonymous,
    Welcome to Sydney. We hope you and your family settle well and soon will be able to get most of the ingredients for your Malaysian and Singaporean cooking, once you are familiar to the place. Try Bunnings Hardware as they do have a good collection of fruits trees at this time of the year. You may also find them in the Asian stores in Cabramatta.
    I will try to source a plant for you at my favourite nursery stall at the Sunday market in North Rock.
    Where are you living in Sydney?
    Cheers,
    Phil

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks so much! We are currently In Chatswood for the first few months, for convenience sake... Will be looking for another suburb when the lease is up. Thanks again for all the info! Regards, Angie

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Uncle,

    I cant seem to find genuine limau kasturi (plants or fruit) in Sydney. The kalamansi I see have a whitish inside whereas the geniune ones are dark orange with lost of seeds. Might check out the North Rocks markets on Sunday

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Allan,
    I have been on a lookout and requesting for this favourite kasturi plant from my nusery but no avail. I am also trying to grow from seeds and give away if they are successful. Please email me so that I can add your name to the wait list.
    Cheers,
    Phil

    ReplyDelete
  31. Salutations Uncle Phil,
    Born in Singapore (Newton) and now living in Blacktown NSW (for the past 28 years), I have long been searching for the limau kasturi plant and very glad to have stumbled onto your blog-site today. I would like to purchase two or even three plants from your goodself if available. Much appreciated if you would advise via my email address at macmayne@optusnet.com.au please?
    Best wishes, Henry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Henry,
      Nice to know another countryman! Thanks for your visit to my blog. Sorry, I can't offer you a plant as all the cuttings have been given away but will put your name on the waiting list for the next round. With such a popular demand, its seems I can afford to give up my day job and start a limau kasturi nursery. :)

      Cheers!

      Delete
  32. Hi Uncle Phil
    Have just spent 2 weeks in Singapore house sitting. After sampling calamansi juice there I am desperate to grow my own. I am in Grafton, Northern NSW. I have looked and asked locally without success - I keep being offered other citrus. May i join the waiting list please?
    Thanks
    Deb V
    vlastar@tsn.cc

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope that you are not affected by the recent flood we saw in the news. Of course, I'll put your name to the long waiting list because of the demand for this favourite lime among Singaporeans. Did you have fresh calamansi juice? I have learnt to make a refreshing drink from preserved calamansi fruit which I will post soon.
      Cheers!

      Delete
  33. Hi Uncle Phil,

    I just moved to Australia and am also looking for the calamansi plant. I live in regional victoria so was wondering if I can be put on that long waiting list..Its just something that brings me closer to home which is the Philippines..I enjoy reading your blogs and happy that you help those you can. More power to you and your blog


    my email is aldash@Yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi Aldo,
    Thanks for your visit to my blog. I will add you to the waiting list. Please bear with me as you can see the many requests before you. I will do my best to give away as many as I could get from my most sought after plant in my backyard. I hope you and your loved ones settled well in Australia and once again Selamat to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi Uncle Phil,
      Yes, where can I buy some or why dont you grow some and sell them?

      Delete
    2. Hi,
      I wish I can give everyone a calamansi plant but I can only manage to do 5 or 6 grafting a year from my plant. Maybe I should send you some seeds when it fruits again.
      Cheers.

      Delete
  35. Hi Uncle Phil


    I was just chatting with a friend about calamansis and remembered I'd found your blog a while back when looking for them in Sydney. We're both Brits, ex Singapore expats (she's now in the States). Looks like the blog has tons of great information - we'll be bookmarking it to read and read!


    Four years in Sydney now but I do miss my shophouse in Geylang Lor 24A and all the food around it :(


    Thanks for the memories.


    Bee

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi Uncle Phil
    The nearest to a calamansi plant I have come across is the West Indian Lime (citurs aurantifolia) and I am not sure it is correct. Bunnings, Flower Power, Daley's fruit nursery in Sydney do not seem to have the plant. Can I ask if you are still grafting them and if so, can I ask to be put on your list? Would gladly pay for the plant. My email is juls3lf@hotmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visit to my blog. I have 3 graftings on the tree and they have been reserved. Hopefully you can have a cuttings on my next graftings. Cheers!

      Delete
  37. I was googling to find out where I can buy a calamansi plant and it brought me here. There is no where I can get it Uncle Phil. My friend who lives in Perth she has a big tree full of the fruits and she dont know what to do with it even after juicing and making sambal belacan. I told her to send me some seeds. Hopefully I can grow them in Victoria.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Dear Uncle Phil,

    I was looking all over Melbourne for a calamansi tree as well but have had no luck. The closest I have come is this link, but I am not sure whether it is the right fruit.
    http://forgottenfoodlife.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/calamansi/

    Is there any chance I could wait for a cutting off your tree? I would really appreciate it.

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete