Buddha’s Hand

The Buddha’s hand always catches my eye as I walk the aisles of the local market. Even when situated among other exotic fruit, this old school citrus seemingly lunges at me from the bin. I finally decided to pick up a couple and see what this quirky fruit has to offer.

What is a Buddha’s hand? The Buddha’s hand is one of the oldest types of citrus. It is native to Asia, specifically the Himalayan region of India and China, where it may be presented as an offering in Buddhist temples. The fruit consists of entirely zest and pith, no pulp or juice.

How do I use a Buddha’s hand? There are several different ways you can use a Buddha’s hand. Think of it as the ultimate lemon zest. One common use for the Buddha’s hand is to candy the peel. The white pith inside the fruit is not bitter like in most other citrus, making it easy to work with. Use it raw in salad dressings or marinades, bake with it, preserve it, or even make waffles! Personally, I can’t wait to make some homemade Buddhacello!

How do I store a Buddha’s hand? I suggest leaving them directly on your counter or tabletop, as they give off an incredible floral scent. In fact, they are often used as air fresheners. Your Buddha’s hand should last up to a couple weeks. However, keep them in a cool area if possible and out of direct sunlight. You could always pop them in the fridge for a longer lifespan, but you’d be missing out on their lovely perfume.

Should I use a Buddha’s hand as a dog toy? No. My dog Grizzly is obsessed with anything potently fragrant. So of course, when I accidentally dropped the citrus on the ground, Grizzly was ready for the fumble recovery. He immediately carried the Buddha’s hand to the carpet and began to bite off the fingers. Bad dog!!

(images by HonestlyYUM)