Buddha's hand Fruit Plant (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis)

Fingered Citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis)

Common Name: Fingered Citron, Buddha's Hand

Botanical Name: Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

General Information:

Buddha's hand is a citrus fruit in the citron family, which looks like a lemon with long, finger-like segments growing from it. While it contains no fruit or pulp, it is extremely fragrant, and the peel and rind can be used for a number of dishes, like salad dressings, marinades, baked goods, and drinks.

"Buddha's hand" is a translation of the names used for the fruit in Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese languages. It has long been used as an offering at Buddhist temples, particularly the close-fingered varieties, which resemble a hand position for prayer. The fruit symbolizes happiness, a long life, and good fortune.

In China, the fruit is displayed for good luck. In Japan, Buddha's hand is a popular New Year's gift as a token of good fortune.

Like other varieties of citron, Buddha's hand is used mainly for its zest and peel. In fact, most varieties of fingered citron don't have any fruit or pulp to eat either within the peel-covered fingers or inside the base of the fruit.

To use Buddha's hand, break off a "finger" from the hand, and grate or peel the bright lemon exterior. As with all citrus peel, you only want the brightly colored part, not the bitter white pith beneath.

Cultural Information:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 2 to 3 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate