I am a huge fan of Calamansi. For what it is known for and for its practical uses, which I have discovered over the years.
My grandmother used to have two trees of calamansi, and I remember during summer vacation, I used to peel these small, round greens, dip them in salt, and eat them straight. It’s really sour, changes your face, but it’s good.
What is Calamansi?
It’s a small, round, green citrus fruit that packs a sour punch, more fragrant than a lime and more delicate than a lemon.
What I’ve discovered over the years is that calamansi isn’t just a kitchen staple; it’s a household powerhouse. It’s a natural cleaner, a health booster, and a beauty secret that our ancestors probably knew about all along. Fortunately, I have a calamansi tree in my backyard, which provides me with a year-round supply.
Here are the 12 amazing uses I’ve discovered for this versatile fruit.
In the Kitchen
This is where calamansi first won my heart, and for good reason.
1. The Ultimate Flavor Enhancer (Dips & Marinades)
I grew up squeezing this fruit on fish sauce and soy sauce (we call this sawsawan), and it elevates everything from grilled fish, pork chops, and belly to simple fried tofu. The bright acidity cuts through rich, fatty foods perfectly.
My Pro Tip: Don’t just use it as a dip. Calamansi juice is also a meat tenderizer. Its acid helps break down tough proteins, making your pork or chicken even juicier and more flavorful.
2. Tamarind Alternative for Sour Soup (Sinigang).
Tamarind is the common ingredient that makes Sinigang sour. But calamansi is a fantastic substitute that yields a sour dish just as delicious, with a hint of citrus. Where tamarind gives a deep, earthy sourness, calamansi provides a sharper, brighter, and more fragrant acidity. It’s a wonderful variation, especially for sinigang with fish or shrimp. So try it and see the difference.
3. Best for Kilawin (Filipino Ceviche).
Kinilaw or Kilawin is the Filipino version of ceviche, where fresh, raw fish is “cooked” in an acid. While vinegar is most common, calamansi is a superior choice. My Dad used to use calamansi instead of vinegar for kilawin seafood (fish and small shrimp). It gives a fresher, more aromatic smell and flavor without the harsh bite of vinegar. It gently “cooks” the fish, leaving it tender and infused with a beautiful citrus aroma.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend using it for Dilis (anchovies) and Tuna.
4. A Partner for Hard Drinks.
In the Philippines, calamansi is often used as a chaser or a mixer for strong spirits like Ginebra San Miguel (Gin), Rum, and Whiskey. Sliced in half and served alongside a shot glass, it’s a refreshing palate cleanser that cuts the harshness of the alcohol with its bright, fragrant sourness. I remember during my college days, we had this special mix called “Gin + Sprite + Calamansi.” It totally masks the strong taste of alcohol and makes it go down smooth.
5. Immunity-Boosting Juice.
My mother used to make me calamansi juice when I was in elementary school. The ingredients are straightforward—calamansi juice, water, and sugar—but the taste is exquisite. It beats the hell out of lemonade. Not only is it delicious, but a glass of calamansi juice is packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps support your immune system.
How We Drink It: I enjoy it cold. For a refreshing drink, I mix the fresh juice with water, a little honey, and plenty of ice. My wife, on the other hand, loves drinking it with lukewarm water. On a cold day when you feel a scratchy throat coming, mix the juice with hot water and a spoonful of honey for a soothing, traditional remedy.
Around the House: The Natural Cleaner
Before you reach for harsh chemicals, see if a little calamansi can do the job. Its natural acidity and pleasant scent make it a fantastic cleaning agent.
6. Kitchen Deodorizer.
After a long session of chopping garlic or cleaning fish, your hands can carry the smell for hours.
The Trick: Slice the calamansi in half, squeeze the juice into your hands, and simply rub it all over your hands and fingers, then rinse with water. The citric acid neutralizes the smelly compounds instantly. This also works wonders on wooden cutting boards.
7. Stain Remover.
My grandmother’s favorite stain remover on white clothes was calamansi. She never used chemicals, and it really worked.
How to Use It: For white fabrics, apply fresh calamansi juice directly to a stain and let it sit for a few minutes, preferably under the sun. Then wash it with soap, and keep applying until the stain disappears. The acid and the sun’s UV rays have a natural bleaching effect.
Important Warning: Always test on a small, hidden part of the fabric first! Do not use on colored fabric. Because it is acidic, it can permanently affect the color of delicate or dark-colored materials.
8. A Greasy Surface Cleaner.
Calamansi juice can cut through grease. Mix calamansi juice with water in a spray bottle for a natural, wonderfully scented spray to wipe down greasy stovetops or counters.
For Health & Beauty: The All-Natural Refresher
This is where I was most surprised. The benefits of calamansi go far beyond the kitchen.
9. A Soothing Cough and Sore Throat Remedy.
As I mentioned earlier, a warm calamansi-honey drink is a go-to in my family. It’s a traditional remedy that I find genuinely helps soothe the irritation of a cough or a sore throat.
10. A Natural Hair Rinse for Extra Shine.
After applying shampoo and rinsing your hair, you can use a diluted solution of calamansi juice and water as a final hair rinse.
How to Use It: Squeeze one calamansi into two cups of water and use it as your final rinse. It helps to remove soap buildup and can leave your hair feeling incredibly soft and looking extra shiny. Some people also say it helps control dandruff.
11. A Gentle Skin Whitener.
In Filipino folk beauty, calamansi is often used to even out skin tone and lighten dark spots, such as on elbows, knees, and armpits.
The Method: Rub a slice of calamansi on the area for a few minutes before you take a shower.
Safety First: Never apply this to your face. Always do a patch test on your arm first to ensure you don’t have a reaction. Also, avoid sun exposure on areas where you’ve applied the juice, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
12. Natural Deodorant.
My older brother used to use calamansi as a deodorant. So, if you’ve run out of deodorant, wiping a slice of calamansi on your underarm can help. Its antibacterial properties can kill odor-causing bacteria. It’s not an antiperspirant, but it’s an excellent natural deodorizer.
From a simple dipping sauce to a stain remover and a natural deodorant, it’s clear that this humble little fruit is truly a treasure.
What other uses for calamansi do you know? I would love to read your family’s secrets and tips in the comments below!