It was probably a mistake to review this candy. In fact I feel like it was a bit of a mistake just eating this candy. As you can see by the package, I acquired this candy on an Eva Air flight, so I don’t feel like I have to review treats that I get for free with meals or on airplanes. But I did because for some reason I just felt that I don’t have enough kumquat candies represented on this site. It could be that almost every time I’ve had a kumquat, I’ve been kind of disappointed.

The problem I have with just about every kumquat candy I’ve had in the past is that they’re either too sweet or too bitter. The kumquat itself is a very bitter fruit, so the only way to get the flavour to work is to fill it with sugar. I imagine that there is some level of sweetness that makes this fruit taste good, but I have yet to taste any treat that’s found that balance. The thing about this candy is that it’s not just the odd kumquat flavour that’s got me down, they’ve added something else to this candy that I can’t explain.

I’m not sure what the word “pericarpium” means, but at this point I can only assume it’s similar to menthol. That’s because this candy is very minty cool, but without the minty flavour. When you mix a slightly bitter orange with something really menthol forward, it’s not good. Try eating an orange and then brushing your teeth. This mix of flavours is on my list of candy flavours that have never worked for me yet (onions and chocolate are on that list too).

I got this little candy free on a flight. I decided to wait till I got home to taste it, and maybe give it a review. I’m glad I did, because airline travel is already uncomfortable enough, I don’t need orange and menthol to make it worse.