Hailing from China, Northeast India, and Bangladesh, the Buddha’s hand citron has a truly captivating look that’s hard to forget. Its unusual shape, with elongated, finger-like segments that resemble a praying Buddha, makes it a marvel among fruits.
This unique citron has a history as rich as its fragrance, a species celebrated for its incredible health benefits. Known botanically as Citrus medica, it has been cherished since ancient times, dating back to Greece over 2,500 years ago. While it might look deliciously lemon-like, Buddha’s hand is mostly rind with only a hint of pulp—perfect for zest and aromatic uses rather than juicing in the traditional sense. In fact, it predates lemons, which were selectively bred from citron varieties much later!
I first stumbled across this unusual fruit around five weeks ago on my way home from the gym in Whitechapel. The aroma was intoxicating—a blend of lemon, lime, and lemongrass. So, despite the cost (£1.49 each!), curiosity won out, and I brought one home. Every time I opened the fridge, it filled the space with its wonderful, citrusy scent, making my kitchen feel like a mini citrus grove. Since then, I’ve been using it in all sorts of ways: juicing the whole fruit (rind included) to capture those beneficial oils, rubbing it on my hands for an aromatic pick-me-up, and even adding slices to my salad dressings and hot water for a refreshing twist. I’ve since bought more!
Whether you’re mixing it into a drink, zesting it for dressings, or simply enjoying the incredible scent, Buddha’s hand is worth every penny. Try one for yourself, and maybe you’ll find it just as irresistible as I do!
The one you see in my photo below is a less hand-like Buddha’s hand citron than the classic, but its fragrance is just as enchanting.
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