BUDDHA HAND

Origin: Spain

Season: October - March

This unusually named fruit may not be familiar to many people. This variety of citron-like mandarin gets its distinctive name because the fruit naturally separates into long, thin sections that remarkably resemble human fingers.

Native to India or China, like most citron varieties, Buddha's Hand has been cultivated for centuries both for culinary and aromatic purposes. The fruit is prized for its intensely fragrant, sweet citrusy scent, which has made it popular in perfume production and as a natural air freshener.

The entire outer peel can be zested or grated to add bright citrus flavour to salads, desserts, cakes, and biscuits. The segments work beautifully when candied whole to create elegant garnishes or sophisticated sweets. For cocktail enthusiasts, pieces can be added to gin, vodka, or simple syrups to create aromatic infusions, whilst the grated peel makes an excellent addition to marinades for fish or chicken. In baking, the zest transforms shortbread, scones, and homemade marmalade with its distinctive fragrance.

Beyond culinary applications, whole fruits can be placed in rooms as a natural air freshener, releasing their sweet citrus scent for weeks. The fruit has also been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for digestive issues, though you should consult a healthcare professional before any medicinal use.

Unlike other citrus fruits, Buddha's Hand contains no pulp or juice - it's entirely fragrant peel, making it perfectly suited for zesting and aromatic applications without the tartness or acidity of conventional citrus.