Today we are going to talk about a type of citrus very similar to lemon but with a rather strange and curious shape. Its about Lemon Buddha hand. Its common name is due to the fact that it looks like a dangling hand. It is also known by other names such as Cidro and Cidra. The scientific name is Citrus medica. There are many people who do not know it, and those who do, do not know well how to eat them or what their origin is.
In this article we will reveal everything related to this curious fruit. Do you want to discover it and get to know it in depth? You just have to keep reading 🙂
Origin of the Buddha hand lemon
This characteristic fruit comes from Asian countries. In ancient times, it was used as a symbol of wealth, happiness and longevity. In addition, the most believers used it as offering to their gods on altars. To do this, they placed it open in the middle so that its aroma rose to the very sky.
It has medicinal properties that in the past helped treat digestive problems and it worked as a tonic. As medicine has advanced, the fresh and pleasant smell of this citrus has become its main attraction. Today it is used in the production of perfumes and cosmetics.
Citron for the kitchen
The great aromatic properties have made the Buddha's hand a great potential food for haute cuisine. Its pulp is somewhat rough and with little juice. It is even too acidic at times. However, one of the tastiest nectars is extracted from its bark. The specialty of this fruit is to prepare it caramelized to get the most out of it.
It is a quite useful fruit in different areas, since it can be used as a natural remedy for certain ailments and for cooking. In addition, it is used as an air freshener for the home and closets.
How do you eat it? Nutritional value
The most common way to eat Buddha hand lemon is slicing it into some slices and using it as a topping for the manufacture of sauces, salad dressings and desserts. Its peel is also used to flavor some liqueurs.
Although it does not have many nutrients, citrus has high amounts of vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Thanks to its properties it is free of fats, sugars, carbohydrates and proteins. It is perfect for replenishing vitamins without adding extra calories to your diet. It also contains volatile oils and other aromatic organic compounds such as limonin and diosmin. This composition makes it very useful in the field of natural medicine as we will see below.
Health benefits
The Buddha's hand lemon has a variety of health benefits and helps fight numerous diseases. Beginning with pain relief, this fruit is really effective. Its aromatic organic compounds are agents that act as anti-inflammatory. They help reduce swelling and pain. For hundreds of years it has been known as the fruit that takes away pain. It is used to relieve it when you have inflammation from cuts, wounds, sprains or even surgeries.
It is very good for treating respiratory diseases thanks to its mild alcohol compounds. It acts as an expectorant and aids in coughing and expelling clear phlegm from the pharynx. Once the phlegm has been expelled, it greatly facilitates breathing and contributes to recovery. It is also used in this area to treat asthma problems to some extent. If you have specific respiratory problems, it is recommended to soak the fruit in a bowl of water with a little sugar for maximum relief.
On the other hand, it acts as a great reinforcement of the immune system thanks to the chemical composition. It prevents the most frequent infections by improving the body's immunity and fights against colds and flu. The vitamin C it has is what fights infections and protects the body against microbial attack.
The anti-inflammatory property seen above helps reduce inflammation that occurs in the lining of the stomach and intestine. When you do not eat properly or ingest sweets it can cause diarrhea. With the Buddha hand lemon you can alleviate them, in addition to treating constipation and maintaining good digestion.
Necessary care and cultivation
If we want to cultivate the Citron in our garden we must take some things into account. The first thing is the location. This tree needs to be outside in full sun to grow well. It can be in semi-shade for a while, but most normally it needs direct sun.
To sow it, we have to take into account the quality and composition of the soil or substrate. Must have a good sewer system and be rich in organic matter. It cannot be in poorer soil since they will not be able to incorporate nutrients well. Due to its size, it can be kept in a pot with universal growing substrate mixed with 30% of perlite.
As for watering, a fairly abundant fire is needed in summer. Between three and four times a week and in winter only once. Always avoid waterlogging when watering it or else it could rot.
This tree needs a subscriber early spring to late summer and early fall. Organic fertilizers such as manure, egg shells and banana or guano should be applied. If we have it in a pot, it is better to use liquid fertilizers to better distribute the nutrients.
It is able to withstand mild and occasional frosts of up to -2 degrees. However, it is better to protect it from continuous winter frosts. The planting time is in spring. If we plant it in a pot, it will need a change every two years to better adapt.
Plagues and diseases
This lemon tree can also suffer from pests and diseases as well as the common lemon tree. Good environmental conditions must be maintained so that the fruit has high quality and can be used in the kitchen.
I hope that with this information you can enjoy your Buddha hand lemon and use it to combine in your favorite dishes.