Look what I found today?
Calamansi. Or Calamondin, or sometimes spelled as kalamansi.
I didn’t find the tree, because calamansi or calamondin trees are everywhere here in SoCal and can be bought at Home Depot and many Asian grocery stores. I don’t have the patience nor do I have a green thumb to grow my own calamansi tree.
I found fresh, plump, juicy, fruity, and ripe calamansi—an ingredient that I have been trying to source for the longest time…
Words fail to describe how overjoyed and excited I was when I found these beauties at the Island Pacific Supermarket, in Cerritos, Orange County. Kudos to my reader David C, who tipped me on where to find them. Thank you so much David C, you’re the best!
I rushed home immediately and made myself a glass of calamansi juice with ice, just like the way it’s served back home in Malaysia. I took a refreshing sip and went on to prepare sambal belacan, with calamansi juice. It is the best sambal belacan I have ever made here in the US, only because I found calamansi.
The calamansi peel perfumed my fingers with its exotic smell; I brought my fingers to my nose, sniffing the fruity and citrusy fragrance and aroma. It is the smell of home. I then thought about all the possibilities with calamansi: Assam Laksa with a fresh squirt of calamansi juice, check; Mee Siam, check; Ikan bakar (grilled fish with banana leaves), check; Nyonya kerabu (salad) dishes, check.
I am happy.
I found calamansi.
Island Pacific Supermarket
11481 South St. Unit D,
Cerritos, CA. 90703
Hours:
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Mon – Fri)
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Sat – Sun)
About Calamansi:
Calamansi is a variety of lime used in Southeast Asia cuisines, especially in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It’s also a key ingredient in Nyonya food. Sambal belacan is only truly authentic with calamansi juice. Period.
If you haven’t tried calamansi, I can only describe it as a sort of hybrid between orange and lime. They have orange pulp but the juice is sour and tart, and there is no lime that can rival the citrusy fragrance of calamansi. I don’t know why celebrity chefs haven’t discovered the use of calamansi yet. In my opinion, it’s better than yuzu.
5 calamansi, cut into halves
Syrup, made with sugar and water
Water
Ice
Method:
Squeeze the juice into a glass. Add syrup, water, ice and stir well. Serve cold.
Related Posts:
Get new recipes via RSS and reader or subscribe via email
{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
omg! we have this fruit in Mexico, but we call it limas, a cross between green lemon (or lime in English) and oranges. Amazing, a friend of mine just got back from a short trip to SE Asia (she’s European) and was so surprised by the amount of *exotic* fruits she saw and tried. To my surprise and amusement most of the fruits she told me are pretty popular in Mexico.
What can I say.
We are lucky!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Heidi – that’s very interesting to know. I guess it makes sense because Mexico is tropical. Yes, you are lucky to have calamansi and other tropical fruits.
Reply
can feel the excitement reading what you wrote.
in Sg, the supermarkets usually sell them in packs. So we usually have lots of leftover because 1 meal would not need so many of it. but I found that storing them in a vacuum container, it won’t turn yellow or brownish! it can last 2 weeks in vacuum containers in the fridge!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
You have no idea KM, I was on cloud 9.
Reply
Oh, wow! This drink looks very refreshing! Lovely photos, by the way! Your photography is exquisite! Are you sure you’re not a pro? :D
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Kamran – thanks for your nice note. I am not a pro, yet, but one day I will get there I am sure. I think I have some raw talents in food photography that I can further develop. :)
Thanks again!
Reply
nice find! my favorite drink has to be the 桔仔酸梅 drink! Thanks for idea, perfect drink for this summer!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Billy yes, keat la siu kam peng, so shiok.
Reply
Add lipton tea and you’ll get “teh o ais limau” :D
Reply
mycookinghut replied:
Ohhh.. how I love teh o ice limau.. with kalamansi, it’s the teh o ice limau!! :)
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Teh O Ice Limau, yes! With Lipton Tea!
Reply
Oh, I love this too! I agree, sambal belacan only tastes good with calamansi :-) You’ve inspired me to make this drink over the weekend!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Awesome. Calamansi drink is fantastic.
Reply
I’ve only managed to find it at the Granville Island Market in Vancouver and they sell it for $.50 a piece, ouch! They freeze really well but somehow they lose most of the fragrance. Bee is right, this is indispensable to Filipino cooking just like in our other SE neighbours’ cooking. In the Philippines, we use it as a souring agent to just about everything from broths to dipping sauces. It adds an extra layer of complexity, a sort of je ne sais qoui factor, freshness or something to the food. I don’t even know how to describe it, the exotic fragrance of it is just incomparable to other citruses. It’s a must try for sure if you’ve never used it before. It’s great for cocktails.
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
I agree with both hands and legs. Calamansi is the best citrus EVER that not many people know yet. Sad. I can totally imagine a calamansi mojito. Yep, that’s it, calamansi mojito is what I will make tomorrow. ;)
Reply
Does anyone know where I could get a calamansi lime tree in Australia?
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
I think you can, but I don’t know where.
Reply
ann replied:
you can get from bunnings warehouse. it is under fruit tree section, called calamondin.
Reply
wow, looks so refreshing. And your photos are truly stunning. I didn’t know fresh calamasi are so rare in US … but at least you get cheap oysters! hehe
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Thanks Wiffy. Yes, I love my calamansi photos too. So cute.
Reply
I would love to get my hands on some, they look awesome!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Yes, they are awesome. Not sure if they have it in the UK though.
Reply
I’ve been looking for these in Germany to no avail. I’m close to buying a tree, but even then there’s no guarantee that I’ll be buying the right one. They are a wonderful fruit & I’m happy you get to enjoy them. I’m also a little jealous.
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
You have to look specifically for calamondin tree. Not sure what they call it in Germany though. Good luck.
Reply
Wow…indeed nice to find a glass of cold keat la drink over in your place. Only now I know it is known as Calamansi :)
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Yes, keat la, but their English name is so sexy, don’t you think? Calamansi!
Reply
We have 3 Calamansi trees out the back. It thrives in the Aussie Sun. I love it. In summer I squiz a few and make Calamansi juice. Its so darn refreshing. I also use it to make cocktails. Its great..
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
3 calamansi trees? I am jealous. Everything I grow eventually dies, so I will just buy them from the store. ;)
Reply
ann replied:
can you tell me how you keep them alive during winter in australia? i have 1 newly bought calamondin tree, still young, can see leaves growing, i’m waiting eagerly for it to bear fruit. and what fertiliser you use through the year? must i water it everyday?
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Ann, I am afraid you asked the wrong person here. You can check my responses and previous postings on my gardening effort. I am no good at growing stuffs :(
Reply
June Scully replied:
Hi Katherine
I’m in Sydney and desperate to lay my hands on one of these Calamansi lime trees. Could you advise where I could find one of these trees?
many thanks
June
Reply
Katherine replied:
Hi June, I actually saw a few at Cabramatta. If you can make your way over there. There is a little nursery near the Fruit Market just outside BKK.
Cheers
Kath
Reply
June Scully replied:
Thanks, Katherine, bought two plants. Much appreciated for your lead.
Cheers
Reply
What a beautiful thing kalamansi lime is! lol. My tree has lotsa lime on it but it takes so lonnnnnggggg for them to get big. Sambal belacan with kalamansi is the best, best, best!
My fav drink back in KL is kalamansi lime with asamboi. Oh im drooling just thinking abt it. Im so dragging him to cerritos after raya. hehe.
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Yes, you have to go to Cerritos. The first sip of the ice limau, OMG, langsung puas hati.
Reply
Wow! Calamansi is a pillar of local cooking here in the Philippines too! And I also looove calamansi juice :) There are tons here at all the markets and groceries…I really wish I could send you some!
Even if they are all over here your calamansi juice photo is making my mouth water…will make some tomorrow!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Joey – now you don’t have to send them to me…hehe.
Reply
What is it? What does it taste like?
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
I can’t tell you the taste. You will have to taste it yourself. Best lime ever!
Reply
congrats on finally finding yourself some kalamansi! i love using it in cocktails too, so I’m sure your kalamansi mojito will be awesome!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Marvin – you have no idea how excited I was finding them–like finding diamonds. LOL.
Reply
It’s the first time I see that! we don’t see calamansi in France! only traditional lime.. You’re pictures are so beautiful!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Dominique – Calamansi only thrives in tropical weather or sub-tropical places. It’s awesome. I hope French chef will discover and use them one day. :)
Reply
Wow,
I have to admit I’ve never heard of these before – pretty sure I would love them though from your description as I love lime and oranges!
The first thing that springs to mind is ‘cocktails’ !!!!!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Andy – I can’t think of any reason not to love these limes. Calamansi is the best limes ever, really, and the world hasn’t really discovered it yet.
Reply
One day, I will get to taste these.
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Yes, come visit me and I will make the drink for you, and sambal belacan. ;)
Reply
How fantastic! Eis Limau is one of my favourite things to sip on at mamak when I’m back in Malaysia on holidays – and nothing is quite the same as having a couple of calamansi to squeeze all over a bowl of dry curry mee. I’ll have to hunt some down for myself in Australia now!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Shez – yes, ice limau kasturi, and yes, curry mee in KL. In Penang, we don’t add calamansi lime to curry mee, only laksa by Malay vendors. :)
Reply
lucky for us here in the Philippines we have abundant supply of calamansi all year round. And just outside my window, I have one calamansi tree growing numerous fruits. you can use calamansi to flavor your stir fried noodles(pancit) and it goes well with fish sauce. calamansi is also good as tenderizer if you want to marinate pork for bbq.you can rub it on your hands to remove the fishy smell whenever you handle seafood. you can also create a very appetizing dipping sauce for your grilled fish or squid by using calamansi, soy sauce, a bit of sugar and chili peppers.lastly, for sore throat, boil 3pcs of calamansi (skin on) in cup of water then drink the boiled mixture.
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Taj – thanks for all your great suggestions. Yes, Malaysian cooking uses a lot of calamansi, too.
Reply
love that photo of the bowl of calamansi. my kids love calamansi-ade with salted dried plums. Just do as per your recipe and drop a couple of salted dried plums in.
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Terri – yes, I love that shot, too. Looks so professional. LOL.
Yes, calamansi with salted dried plums are the best, I need to hunt the dried plums now so I can have the drinks.
Reply
I was all excited too when I found calamondin here in Australia.. bought the tree and it’s been producing great fruits for us.. they are juicy and so refreshing..
My husband made similar icy drinks like yours and he adds one japanese plum (umeboshi) and I tell you it’s one of my fav drinks on one of those hot summer days.. cold, sweet, sour and salty all in one glass! :)
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Hi Angie – yes, calamansi with plum is one of the best tropical drinks. :)
Reply
You can buy calamansi trees at Home Depot? That’s awesome!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Diana – yes, you can, in the ones here in SoCal for sure.
Reply
Yes, all I did is I added one “semboi” – preserved plum, it becomes, sweet, sour and salty………..all in one refreshing drink on a hot sumer day………………AWESOME!!!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
You tell it! Awesome!!
Reply
Awesome, thanks for the info! Now I can make all kinda of Sarawakian drinks ( I just returned from Kuching 2 weeks ago). Btw I found Mani chai plant in Montery park area
http://www.cooknengr.com/blog2/archives/2009/05/mani_chai_1.html
After many attempts I concluded you’ll have to plant them indoor like mine. ( I got my stalks from Kuching,) California is way too dry. My friend’s mani chai is growing well outdoor in Georgia
http://www.cooknengr.com/blog2/archives/2009/05/the_manichai_mo.html
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
OMG, your mani cai tree is so tall. LOL. It sucks that they don’t sell it in the LA area. They can sure ship some from the East Coast or Texas, right?
For the calamansi, they are home-grown, too. That’s what the store people in Cerritos told me. But I am not going to complain. $2.99 per pound and I am so willing to pay because they are light so quite inexpensive.
Reply
You have no idea how much I hate your right now! I’ve been looking for these forever. Well, I’m jealous that’s for sure. :)
I miss freshly squeezed calamansi juice. The calamansi syrup just does not compare.
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Haha, ignoring you and continue sipping my calamansi juice ;P
Reply
I love this collage! I love making Calamansi juice with brown or muscovado sugar. It’s perfect with hot tea also! Best drink ever!
Reply
Hi. can any one recomended a good vegetarian site that i can visited as well.
Thank you
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Hmm, I honestly have not paid enough attention to vegetarian sites. Any input from the readers here?
Reply
yes, this drink is very refreshing indeed! In Vietnam, these citrus fruits are called trai tac. A lot of vendors that sell sugar can juice in Little Saigon will add this ingredient into their drinks – try Nuoc Mia Vien Tay in Garden Grove. I think you can find them in the viet markets sometimes too, but they tend to sell the longer version and not these round versions.
Lucikly my dad has two of these large trees in his back yard and they fruit almost year round since we are in southern Cali.
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Yes, Anh. I have seen calamansi used in sugar cane drinks in Little Saigon here. As much as I love both fresh drinks, I have to admit I am not a fan of the mix because I enjoy my sugar cane, or calamansi juice just the way they are. No mix :) Your dad has 2 large trees? I am envious!
Reply
It’s my fave fruit juice. I grow my own, you don’t really need a green thumb.
I bought the tree from Lowe’s and right now it’s 50% off. See my post on it last year at http://momgateway.blogspot.com/2008/04/blog-post_06.html.
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
I am seriously the death of all greens. Even cactus count as my casualty. Imagine cactus in California, a desert, died in my own home. Thanks for your input.
Reply
Hi saw a bottle of calamansi “juice” (not a drink but a bottle of concentrated calamansi). It wasn’t pure, there were some other ingredients and flavours I believe. It was in the philipino section of the grocery store. Have you ever tried using this kind of concentrated juice in cooking?
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
I have not used any concentrated calamansi juice in my cooking. I have tried some lime and lemon concentrates. They do conveniently served the purpose. But nothing beats the fresh ingredients. That’s why I am so excited finding these calamansi :)
Reply
I’d love to try some calamansi. I’m already dreaming about the possibilities…mojitos, tarts, curds, ahh…but doing a quick search, I don’t see any sources in NYC. If anyone knows a place to get it here, please let me know!
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Try locating a Filipino store. If they don’t have it, maybe they can point you the right direction. I am quite sure it’s worth the search.
Reply
Haha No Problem :]
-David C
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
David – I am forever indebted to you for telling me where to find these babies. You are total AWESOMENESS!
Reply
i have a kalamansi tree that was given by a friend. i planted it on a huge pot three years ago. i never run out of kalamansi because the little tree is always loaded all year round.
it’s always good to have kalamansi when you need it and i use it a lot in my cooking.
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Thelma, you are so lucky. I need someone to give me a tree which is already bearing fruit. LOL.
Reply
Hello,
I just found your site this evening while looking for some Chinese recipes – great site!
About the calamansi, is that the same or related to the Japanese/Okinawan shikuwasa? I lived in Japan for several years and really enjoyed the variety of citrus fruits they have there that I cannot find easily here in SoCal. The shikuwasa was my favorite, but its season is short – only early autumn.
Reply
Rasa Malaysia replied:
Hi Brenda – thanks for stopping by!
I am not sure about shikuwasa…sorry.
Reply
Cant find any calamansi in Adelaide…Miss CALAMANSI!!!!!!~
Reply
I would kill for calamansi… they are tough to obtain in my part of the world. I learned to love the flavor while traveling Malaysia and Singapore – iced tea with calamansi was one of my favorites.
Reply
All this talk about calamansi is making me thirsty… must go and squeeze me a few, mix in some honey, drop the ice cubes and pour in cold water, shake my bootie to get some foam on the drink, reach for a straw, slice up a ripe papaya, and rest my feet on the sofa… simply heaven! Now all I need is a beach… =D
Reply
Calamansi (Kalamansi or Kalamunding as we call it) is a ubiquitous fruit in the Philippines. They sell calamansi here all year round, everywhere.
If a Filipino dish needs a souring agent, it’s either vinegar or calamansi! That also applies for other dishes we inherited from Spain, China, Japan and America.
We love it especially with soy sauce as dip for grilled meat, chicken or fish. For marinades, calamansi is always used.
In my opinion, calamansi halves are much better for vodka than lemons!
In the supermarkets here, you’ll find packs of fresh calamansi (about 1kg) that sell for less than a US dollar.
(An yes, it is shikuwasa, and it’s different from the bitter orange from Mexico.)
Reply
I lived in Bangkok for a while and actually got a bit depressed because I could not find any calamansi, only limes. So I could understand your excitement!
My partner, who is British, has also learned to love this little citrus. On every meal, except maybe for pasta, he would have his little bowl of soy sauce, calamansi and chili as a dipping sauce.
Last month I got him a plant so that every time he needs just one fruit, he can just pluck it out of the bush :)
More power, I love your site!
Reply
If you guys need to buy kalamansi fruits or seeds, I could deliver to you.
Reply