What do Buddha's Hand taste like?

Buddha’s Hand has a unique and intense citrus aroma and flavor, with notes of lemon and floral tones, but is not commonly eaten raw because it contains little to no flesh and juice.

IN THIS GUIDE

What is buddha’s hand
Taste
Nutrition
Prepare methods
Storage

What is Buddha’s hand?

Buddha’s hand fruit, also known as Buddha’s hand citron, is a fragrant and unusual citrus fruit native to China and northeastern India. The fruit is named for its distinctive shape, which resembles the fingers of a hand with elongated, curved segments that are often curled inwards. But what do Budha’s hand taste like? Let’s take a closer look.

Unlike other citrus fruits, Buddha’s hand fruit has little to no flesh or juice and is primarily used for its fragrant rind, which is high in essential oils. The rind of Buddha’s hand fruit is bright yellow and highly aromatic, with a sweet and floral aroma that is often likened to jasmine or lavender.

The fruit is often used in Asian cuisine as a flavoring agent for desserts, beverages, and sauces and is also used in perfumes, potpourri, and other fragrant products.

Because of its striking appearance and unique flavor, Buddha’s hand fruit is often used as a decorative fruit in homes and gardens.

Taste of Buddha’s Hand

Buddha’s hand fruit is not typically eaten for its taste, as it has little to no flesh or juice. Instead, it is primarily used for its fragrant rind, which has a sweet and floral taste that is often likened to a combination of lemon, orange, and lavender.

The flavor of the rind is not as acidic as other citrus fruits and has a more subtle and delicate taste that can be pretty refreshing. When used in cooking or baking, the rind of Buddha’s hand fruit can add a unique and fragrant note to dishes and is often used in desserts, sauces, and beverages.

The taste of Buddha’s hand fruit is quite distinctive and may differ from everyone’s liking, but its fragrant and unusual flavor makes it a popular ingredient in many cuisines.

Nutrition

Buddha’s Hand is a citrus fruit that is primarily used for its fragrant zest rather than its flesh. As such, it is not a significant source of nutrients or calories. However, it does contain some vitamins and minerals, including:

Vitamin C: Buddha’s Hand is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health.

Fiber: The fruit contains some dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health and feelings of fullness.

Potassium: Buddha’s Hand contains a small amount of potassium, which is vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid balance.

How to prepare

Buddha’s Hand is primarily used for its fragrant zest and is less commonly used for its flesh. Here are some ways to prepare Buddha’s Hand:

Zesting: Use a microplane or grater to remove the fragrant yellow zest from the fruit. The zest can be used in various dishes, such as salads, dressings, desserts, and cocktails.

Candying: Buddha’s Hand can be candied by simmering the fruit in a sugar syrup until the fruit is tender and the syrup thickens. The candied fruit can be eaten as a sweet snack or a dessert garnish.

Infusing: Buddha’s Hand can be used to infuse flavor into liquids, such as simple syrup, honey, or vinegar. Add a few pieces of the fruit to the liquid and let it sit for several days to allow the flavor to infuse.

Baking: The fruit’s flesh can be used in baking, such as in cakes or bread. However, it is less commonly used for this purpose due to its low juice content.

Storage

Buddha’s Hand can be stored for a few weeks if kept in the right conditions. Here’s how:

Refrigeration: Store the whole fruit in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer. The temperature should be around 40°F (4°C), and the humidity should be high to prevent the fruit from drying out. Stored correctly, the fruit can last for up to two weeks.

Freezing: You can also freeze Buddha’s Hand to preserve it longer. Cut the fruit into sections or zest it, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Frozen Buddha’s Hand can last up to six months. It’s worth noting that Buddha’s Hand is a delicate fruit that can become bruised or damaged easily, leading to mold growth. Inspecting the fruit regularly and removing any damaged parts immediately is important to prevent spoilage.