Citron is a citrus fruit primarily grown for its aromatic and flavorful rind. It has numerous uses, and there are several cultivars, including the fingered cedar and the Etrog. Fresh citron should be used promptly and stored or frozen to retain flavor.
Citron is a citrus fruit that is grown primarily for its aromatic and flavorful rind, rather than the often dry, tasteless pulp inside. Many consumers are familiar with citron in candied or preserved form, although fresh citron is sometimes available at specialty markets and greengrocers. It can also be grown in the home garden, in warm regions without risk of frost, as cedar is highly sensitive to frost. There are numerous uses for citron, ranging from flavorings in berries to perfumes in cosmetics.
There are several cultivars in the cedar species, all of which come from the Citrus medica tree. The fruits share the characteristics of being yellow and extremely sinewy, growing on thorny evergreen trees that prefer full sun and very hot weather. Cedar is native to India and is also grown extensively throughout the Mediterranean, especially in Italy. History suggests that it was probably the first citrus fruit introduced to Europe, and botanical evidence indicates that it is one of the oldest bearers of modern citrus.
One of the most famous cedar cultivars is the fingered cedar or Buddha’s hand. This bizarre fruit looks like a giant yellow squid, with a bulbous rounded area on the stem and a series of trailing segments that strongly resemble fingers. This variety of cedar is often used in Asia and sometimes appears as an offering in Buddhist temples. Just as with other varieties, the zest can be peeled and candied or used fresh.
Another important variety of fruit is the Etrog, traditionally used by practitioners of the Jewish faith during the Feast of Tabernacles. As should come as no surprise, Etrog is grown extensively in Israel. It shares the pompous, warty appearance of most cedar cultivars and has an almond-like shape. After being used in religious ceremonies, Etrog can be made into candies, jams and other sweets.
Dry rock candy is available in many markets for baked and sweet inclusions. Fresh citron should be used promptly, stored or frozen to retain flavor. When looking for a citron in the store, look for one with a plump, full rind with no signs of discoloration, mold, or softness. Consumers of Buddha’s Hand cedar may want to be aware that, according to Asian tradition, a Buddha’s Hand that is closed is considered more fortunate, as closed hands indicate prayer.
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