Believed to have its origins in South or East Asia, possibly northeastern India and supposed to have been introduced to China by the Buddhist monks. Buddha’s Hand, also known as fingered citron, belongs to the citrus genus making it a distant relative to lemons, limes and oranges.
Its name is a nod to the fact that the fruit resembles the shape of a praying hand. This unusually formed citron variant has fruit that is divided into finger-like parts which resemble those on Buddha statues.
The fruit generally has no pulp, juice, or seeds and can be divided into two categories: ‘open-hand’ kinds, in which the segments are spread apart, and ‘closed-hand’ varieties, in which the fingers are kept together.
An Asian treasure
Buddha’s Hand has long been cherished in East Asia because it is believed to represent good fortune, happiness and longevity. Throughout China and Japan, it is frequently served during the Lunar New Year and presented as an offering in temples.
The pith of the fruit is not bitter, making it suitable for usage in a variety of dishes such as baked goods, salads, and preserves.
Additionally, this fruit’s fragrant rind makes it a wonderful infusion in alcoholic drinks like gin or vodka.
These fruits are also primarily used in China and Japan as a natural air freshener to scent places and even clothing pieces because of their fragrant nature, the smell of which is frequently compared to lavenders.
Packed with a healthy punch
The many culinary applications is not all that this fruit has to offer. Unbeknownst to many, Buddha’s Hand is packed with health benefits as well. Both the rind and the fruit itself can be used for various medical effects.
Buddha’s Hand contains significant levels of vitamin C, calcium, and dietary fibre. The vitamin C in this fruit functions as an antioxidant to help fight infections and shield the body from microbial attack.
This fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help with diarrhoea,constipation, cramping, and pain alleviation by reducing inflammation in the colon and stomach lining, making it quite beneficial to the gastrointestinal system.
Buddha’s Hand is also abundant in organic components like coumarin, limonin, and diosmin. All these chemical compounds in combination with its anti-inflammatory capacity, may reduce swelling and discomfort brought on by cuts, bruises, or sprains.
Moreover, the fruit was also utilised as a traditional treatment for menstruation cramps. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics help to soothe lower abdominal muscles and lessen pain. Pectin, which can aid to maintain blood cholesterol levels, is also present in the fruit.
However, it is important to note that some of these advantages are not yet scientifically proven.
In India
Farmers in China have been cultivating Buddha’s Hand on more than 5,000 acres in at least six different varieties. While in India, only the arid to semi-arid northwest and northeastern lower Himalayan regions are used for production. In California, the fruit wasn’t first cultivated for sale until the mid- to late 1980s, and as of 2008, at least 25 acres were set aside specifically for its development.
The tree that yields the Buddha’s Hand can grow to a height of six to twelve feet and thrives best in a moderate climate. They grow in the season from November to January, and they have a shelf life of one to two weeks at room temperature. However, the fruit can last up to a month when stored in the refrigerator at 7-9 Celsius (45-59F) temperatures.
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