What is this yellow lemon like octopus? It’s a Buddha’s hand, also known as a fingered citron.
Buddha’s hands originated in Asia and are part of the citrus family. These fun citrons can grow between 6 and 12 inches long and in open or closed hand shapes. The trees do not get very big, so they are good for small gardens. Buddha’s hands are ready to harvest in the late fall or early winter, but are highly sensitive to the frost and will not survive in areas of extreme cold.
Even though these unique fruits are part of the citrus family, unlike a lemon or an orange, Buddha’s hands have no juice or pulp. They are made only of spongy pith.
But if it has no juice, then what do you do with it, you may ask? You eat it! Or you can smell it!
Buddha’s hands are great for turning into candy. All you need is the citron, sugar and water. Below is a quick recipe.
Buddha's Hand Recipe
- Chop Buddha’s hand into small cubes and place into a large pot full of boiling water.
- Lower the heat to medium for about 30 minutes.
- Add 2 ½ cups of sugar and cook under medium until the liquid looks syrupy.
- Remove citron from the pot and allow it to dry in the syrup.
- Eat! Or first toss in more sugar and then eat!
What Else Can I Do with a Buddha's Hand?
You can also use Buddha’s hands to make other desserts or for vinaigrettes.
If you do not want to eat it, you can simply set your Buddha’s hand out on your kitchen counter and let it fill your home with its amazing aroma. These citrons are so aromatic that in some regions they are actually used to make perfumes.
So if you want to have a candy and perfume tree, you can grow Buddha’s hands at home. Buddha’s hands grow just as easily as any other citrus fruit— the only catch is they look a little bit different!