FoodBuddha's Hand: The fragrant fruit with healing powers and a unique shape

Buddha's Hand: The fragrant fruit with healing powers and a unique shape

Buddha's hand citron
Buddha's hand citron
Images source: © Adobe Stock
7:11 PM EDT, April 22, 2024

Particularly prized for its unique fragrance, blending citrus and lavender tones, it's shaped intriguingly like an adult human hand, making this fruit unmistakably distinctive.

A variety of citrons capture particular fascination due to their resemblance to a hand, courtesy of their elongated segments that mimic fingers. These citrons earned the name "Buddha's hand." Originating from Asia, primarily China and India, they thrive in various warm climates globally.

What is Buddha's Hand?

Distinct from other citrus varieties, most fingered citrons lack pulp or juice. Their peel is the star, sought after for candying and in the creation of sweets, liqueurs, and lemon-flavored concoctions. Its essential oils are treasured in perfumery and to freshen the air. The fruit's aroma is a delightful fusion of lemon and lavender. Moreover, citrons are rich in bioactive compounds utilized in medicinal formulations.

Health Benefits of Fingered Citron

Rich in phenolic compounds, citron offers protection against lifestyle-related ailments like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and atherosclerosis. It's also packed with terpenoids, saponins, phytosterols, and hesperidin, which provide medicinal benefits, including expectorant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties, and support for blood circulation. Its abundance of vitamins A, C, E, and B makes citron a valuable ingredient in cosmetics for enhancing the health of skin, hair, and nails.

Fingered citron known as "Buddha's hand"
Fingered citron known as "Buddha's hand"© Pixabay
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