Buddha's Hand - Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

The Buddha's Hand Citron, in Latin Citrus medica digitata (or var. sarcodactylis), is a spectacular variety of Citron that probably appeared through spontaneous mutation, a common phenomenon in the Citrus genus. Not very vigorous, it develops into a large bush or small spiny tree, with a slightly irregular habit, and produces clusters of white or purple, highly fragrant flowers in early spring, which quickly transform into curious fruits, resembling fragmented fingers, mimicking a human hand. More than its flesh, which is often reduced to its simplest expression, it is the peel of this fruit that is sought after for its extraordinary fragrance, reminiscent of cedarwood.  

The Citrus medica digitata is a bush of the Rutaceae family, with a variable habit and long spiny branches, slow-growing. It originates from northeast India and China. Its origin is quite controversial: some authors argue for a natural mutation of Citrus medica, but others suggest that a microscopic mite infesting the young fruit is responsible for the absence of flesh and seeds. In cultivation, this small tree reaches a height of 3m and spreads over about 2m (7ft). Not hardy, it perishes below -3°C. It can be planted in open ground on a narrow strip of the Mediterranean coast, but it dislikes intense heat, drought, and scorching exposures. It will generally be cultivated in a pot and stored as soon as the first cold weather appears. Cultivated for its spectacular fruits, this citrus blooms abundantly in March-April, and then again, more sporadically, in September. It produces purple buds that open into clusters of small white and purple flowers, with a sweet and delicious scent of neroli, characteristic of Citrus. They give way to fruits divided into cylindrical segments, whose number varies. Their weight can exceed 1kg and their length 20 cm! Their skin, very thick, turns yellow-orange when ripe and has a strongly bumpy appearance. The flesh, often non-existent, is weakly acidic and not juicy, without seeds. The fruits are harvested in November, when they are ripe and their concentration of essential oils is at its peak. The evergreen and aromatic leaves of this citrus are large and broad, measuring up to 15cm (6in) long. They have a pale green colour. It is a self-fertile bush, meaning that a single individual is sufficient for complete pollination and fruiting.

This citron, which has a remarkable aroma, is mainly used in Asia for interior decoration and to scent the home or clothing. The absence of flesh allows it to have an exceptional shelf life. In cooking, the peel can be candied or used like the zest of other citrus fruits, to flavour desserts and sweet or savoury dishes. Since the flesh is not very bitter, the 'fingers' can be sliced directly and incorporated into salads or fish-based dishes.

Like all Citrus, Buddha's Hand contains in its leaves, flowers, and fruits pockets of essential oil, often visible to the naked eye, from which the highly prized essential oil is extracted by distillation (flowers and leaves) or by pressing (peel), giving a wonderful blend of citrus and floral notes.