Planting and caring for citron buddha hand. Fingers (or hand) of the Buddha - an amazing plant that drives away evil spirits

The hand of the Buddha is an exotic variety of citron, a plant of the Rutaceae family from the genus Citrus. Externally, the plant is perennial shrub up to 3 meters high, dotted with sharp long spines. But this citron got its name thanks to

The hand of the Buddha is an exotic variety of citron, a plant of the Rutaceae family from the genus Citrus. Externally, the plant is a perennial shrub up to 3 meters high, dotted with sharp long thorns. But this citron got its name due to the strange shape of its fruit.It is divided into several lobes, very similar to fingers, curved towards the "tips" and consists almost entirely of a thick bright yellow peel, reminiscent of the peel of a lemon. The fruits of a strange plantI am very large - the length of the "fingers" can reach 40 cm.

There is very little pulp in the "hand of the Buddha" and it is completely inedible. But the peel is used, as they say, to the fullest. Perfumers especially love it. The fact is that the zest of this citron smells like violets. And extracting these fragrant essential oils from citrus peel is much easier than from violet petals. Therefore, the "fake" violet essence is widely used in modern perfumery.

In cooking, the Buddha's Hand is used only for making candied fruits - is it really possible to let such an amount of excellent peel go to waste?

Since ancient times, the "Hand of the Buddha", common in China, Japan and Northeast India, has been revered at the level of a sacred plant. Here, this citron was considered the king of lemons and was called the symbol of the mind. It got its name in connection with the established opinion that this is how the Buddha folds his fingers during prayer. In addition, there is a legend that the Buddha, in memory of himself, left the imprint of his hand on a tree. As you might guess, this tree (or rather a shrub) turned out to be a citron. Since then, this species has been highly revered among Buddhists, actively cultivated, and the most naturalistic-looking “hands” are carefully stored until the new harvest.

Citron, or it is also called cedrat, is a species perennials genus Citrus.

There are varieties of citron: Citrus medica var. Ethrog, Citrus medica var. Medica and Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Hoola van Nooten Swingle) - Buddha's fingers or finger citron. This view has original form, resembling fingers folded together.

From time immemorial, citron has been considered the king of lemons and a symbol of the mind. Many ancient scholars wrote about it. Theophrastus described it in his book as "the Median apple". Citron was grown in Western Asia, India. And Alexander the Great brought him to the Mediterranean coast. From then until today The coast of Calabria was nicknamed the Citron Riviera. In the Italian city of Trieste, there is the only Cedro market in the world, where selected citrons are sold. In Israel, an annual harvest festival is held - Sukkot or the Feast of Sheds (this holiday reminds the Jewish people of their wanderings in the wilderness after leaving slavery) - during which the commandment is performed. To perform this commandment, four plants are needed, including citron. At the same time, he must be "ideal" - according to the will of Moses. That is to be correct form and not have any flaws. For the best fruits, rabbis come to Italy. "Ideal" fruits are even trying to be smuggled out. Often the struggle for such citrons led to religious wars and intrigues. In Israel, by the way, there is a ban on the export of citrons, except for the needs for the celebration and subject to its return to its homeland at the end of Sukkot.

Citron - what is it?

The citron tree is low - reaches 3 meters in height, has thorns and is relatively large leaves. The flowers are large white with a red tinge. The citron fruit is the largest of all citrus fruits - the length of one fruit reaches 40 cm, diameter - up to 30. The color of the fruit is yellow, sometimes light green or orange. The rind is very dense and thick. The pulp does not separate from the peel and contains several seeds.

Citron flavor.

The taste of citron is sour or sweet and sour (like lemon) with a bitter tinge. Citron cannot be called a juicy fruit.

How to choose and store citron fruits?

The citron is harvested in November already ripe. But on the branches they can hang until the summer. If the fruit dries out, and the peel is difficult to separate from the pulp, then such a fruit is already unfit for consumption. At home, ripe fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 10 days.

Due to the thick rind and specific bitter taste, citron is not often eaten raw. In Asia, however, they learned to soak the fruits in salt water to reduce bitterness.

Basically, fruits (more precisely, the pulp or their juice) are used in soups, vegetable salads, marinades, sauces, jams, pies and other confectionery; drinks (a liqueur called Cedro is especially popular). Candied fruits, marmalade and jams are prepared from the peel, and an essential oil is also obtained, which serves as a natural flavoring agent. Citron leaves are used to prepare "exotic" dolma. Even the British did not remain indifferent to this fruit - they prepare Christmas pudding with citron. The essence of the zest is used quite widely: it is added to pasta, due to which they turn green, they are used to freshen the air in rooms, and in the Middle Ages they even washed clothes in it. Today, the use of citron essential oils in the perfume industry is quite common.

It is no coincidence that the Latin name of the citron is Citrus Medica. After all, 100 g of citron contain about 50 kcal. Citron is 86% water, but it also contains vitamins (A, C, B1, B2, PP), trace elements (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iron), some proteins, carbohydrates and fats, as well as fiber, ash, phytoncides and, of course, lemon acid. The peel of the fruit contains an essential oil.

The use of citron in folk medicine.

Citron and its juice have tonic, antiseptic, antiviral, antiscorbutic effects. Fruits, including dried ones, are used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive (gastritis, colitis, pancreatitis, food poisoning) and respiratory (cough, bronchitis, bronchial asthma) tracts. It has been observed that the consumption of citron fruit helps in the treatment of alcohol addiction. When you have a cold, you need to drink hot citron juice.

In Asian countries, there is a belief that if a woman eats citrons during pregnancy, she will give birth to a son.

Citron was the first of the citrus fruits to be grown in European countries with a subtropical climate - Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece and even Great Britain (but in the latter country only as a greenhouse plant). Undoubtedly, citron is grown in Africa, Australia, Latin America and the South of the USA. And in India, they managed to bring out several varieties of "Buddha's Hands", differing in juiciness, thickness of the peel and pulp.

It is curious that they tried to grow citron in Georgia on the coast. But today only a few specimens have survived there, since this exotic tree cannot withstand temperatures below -4˚С.

Learn a little more about the beneficial properties of the finger citron called "Buddha's hand" ( Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis), Fo Shu, or the five-fingered tangerine, will be primarily of interest to avid travelers heading to Japan, India or the southern provinces of China. Because in our country this fruit is almost impossible to buy.

The bizarre palmate fruit is now also cultivated on the west coast of North America, but is not exported due to its short shelf life. In the California farmers' markets, you can find Fo Shu, imported from Asia and Australia. But the price for such exotics is high: according to eyewitnesses, for one medium-sized fruit, the buyer will have to pay more than $ 10. For this money you can buy about 4 kg of lemons.

The finger citron is a close relative of tangerines and pomelo. Has fruit unusual shape, divided into long and thin branches, resembling the knotted fingers of a human hand. From here - original name"Buddha's hand" Harvested from November to January. The fruits are cut into thin elliptical plates 0.2-0.4 cm thick, which are then dried in the sun.

During the Chinese New Year, it is customary to exchange Buddha hands between family members and neighbors. According to Eastern superstition, it brings good luck, peace, happiness and prosperity to the home. Some amateur flower growers grow finger citron bonsai on their windowsills.

The fruit takes part in Buddhist religious ceremonies. However, nothing prevents you from eating citron finger. As a rule, it does not contain seeds and contains little juice.

The aroma of the fruit is pleasant: with lemon and floral notes. The flesh is light yellow, sometimes almost white, has a bittersweet specific taste that not everyone will like. But there are also real connoisseurs. For example, chef Julie Logue-Riordan found shades of coconut, macadamia nut, banana, caramel and cinnamon in the taste of Buddha's hands. However, the zest is mainly eaten.

The most important health benefits:

• relieves pain;
• helps with gastrointestinal disorders;
• strengthens the immune system;
• fights inflammation;
• normalizes menstruation;
• lowers blood pressure;
• used in the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases.

Most of the listed benefits of the Buddha's hands have been confirmed by recent scientific research, but some still remain outside the scope of official medicine.

1. The analgesic properties of fruits are explained by the peculiarities of their chemical composition, in particular - the content of coumarin, limetin, limonin (a bitter substance found in lemon seeds) and diosmin. Fruit pulp and zest also contain bergapten and aurantimarin, useful qualities which scientists have yet to discover.
2. According to the Journal of Nutritional and Clinical Toxicology, the product is characterized by anti-inflammatory properties: the hand of the Buddha relieves swelling and pain associated with inflammatory processes caused by various causes, ranging from serious injuries and operations to bruises and bruises.
3. In alternative medicine finger citron used to treat respiratory diseases. A decoction from the hands of the Buddha acts as an effective expectorant for severe coughs.
4. With indigestion, diarrhea, cramps and bloating, constipation, these unusual fruits will be very useful. Their use in food reduces inflammation of the gastric mucosa and normalizes intestinal motility.
5. Buddha's hand is an effective remedy for menstrual discomfort. Many women who suffer from heavy periods, often accompanied by cramps, severe pain and mood swings, have already appreciated beneficial features unusual citron.
6. A specific polysaccharide found in the fruit stimulates the activity of macrophages (white blood cells that fight infections), thereby increasing the speed and effectiveness of the immune response. Eating Buddha's hands during a cold or flu can greatly speed up recovery.
7. Alcoholic extract based on finger citron acts as a vasodilator, relaxes and dilates coronary vessels, increases blood circulation, effectively reduces blood pressure and the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke.
8. The journal Phytotherapy Research (2007) published scientific results proving that limonin and terpinene in the hands of the Buddha prevented the progression of Alzheimer's and diabetes.
9. Fo Shu's anti-cancer properties are well known in the medical community. Since 1992, a series of experiments have been carried out confirming the antitumor activity of limonin, a key component of the finger citron. This flavonoid causes regression of breast and colorectal cancers but is not toxic to healthy cells.
10. Due to the high concentration of vitamin C and some nutrients fruit peels relieve asthma symptoms in children.

Unusual Recipes

In Chinese medicine, the Buddha's hand occupies an important place. It is believed that the fruit covers 3 meridians of the human body: liver, spleen and lungs. For medicinal purposes, it is recommended to take from 3 to 6 g of decoction or tincture per day.

Porridge

Strengthens the spleen, good for the stomach, relieves pain.

Ingredients:

• 100 g of polished round-grain rice;
• 15 g of Buddha fingers;
• 30 g of crystal sugar.

Boil the pieces of citron fruit together with the zest in a small saucepan, remove them from the liquid. Pour rice together with crystalline sugar into the resulting broth and cook porridge.

health drink

Citron tea improves appetite, soothes nervous system regulates the functioning of the liver. It can be drunk both hot and cold.

Brew dried fruit slices, let it brew and add sugar to taste.

A teaspoon of crushed zest can be safely added to refreshing smoothies, juice, soda water, various marinades, soy sauce, sweet bread, muffins, muffins, chocolate icing and tamarind paste.

It is easy to prepare a bright spicy dressing (dressing) for salad: add chopped citron peels to vegetable oil, a pinch of salt, a drop lemon juice, some sugar, thyme and garlic. Leave the ingredients to marinate in the bowl overnight. The gas station will be ready in the morning.

Precautions and contraindications

Despite the numerous and truly impressive health benefits, eating these fruits raises some concerns.

Separate beneficial and harmful properties of the hands of the Buddha are still under close scrutiny by specialists. Although thousands of years of successful use of the fruit in non-traditional therapeutic methods testify in its favor.

However, you should discuss with your healthcare provider your intention to add finger citron to your diet. For example, the fruit is contraindicated in low blood pressure and after dysentery.

Compatibility with other products

Since the Buddha's hand is a new fruit for many, this little cooking guide will help you prepare delicious dishes with his participation. Finger citron is combined with the following products:

1. Vegetables: Bell pepper, tomatoes, bamboo sprouts, asparagus, fern.
2. Fruits: , orange, calamondin, lime, carambola, passion fruit, apricot, nectarine, pomegranate, dates, kiwi, tamarind, sea buckthorn, raw papaya.
3. Herbs, spices and oils: cocoa, chocolate, jasmine, orange blossom, mint, honey, maple syrup, coconut and olive oil, vinegar, white wine, vodka, amaretto, rum, salt, pepper, lemon and orange juice, soy sauce, mustard, wasabi, rice vinegar, thyme, lavender, Chinese lemongrass.
4. Other foods with which the hand of the Buddha is in culinary harmony are beans, rice, green and black tea.

Subtleties of choice

1. If you still managed to find this unusual fruit during your travels, pay attention to its packaging - it should not be damaged.
2. Like other citrus fruits, the waxy rind of Buddha's ripe hands is yellow or bright orange with no signs of mold.
3. Do not take fruits with flaccid or dry skins.
4. When ripe, the finger citron becomes surprisingly fragrant, filling the surrounding space with a fresh lemon plume.
5. Gently scratch the peel with your fingernail: if an oily mark remains on your finger, the fruit is ready to eat.

In China and Japan, the dried zest of the Buddha's hands is used to scent linen closets or simply hang circles of citron around the house to attract good luck and maintain a good mood. Need to try!

Citron is not at all the same as citrus in our understanding. This plant is from the genus Citrus of the Rutaceae family. Citrus fruits, such as lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime, are also plants from the genus Citrus of the Rutaceae family. That is, they are all relatives to the citron. And they all differ from each other, both in appearance and in properties.

Surely you sometimes had to buy strange lemons at the market - the peel is thick, bumpy, there is very little pulp inside and juice too. Typically, such lemons are considered "empty", either from a long lying, or the variety is unsuccessful. In fact, these are not lemons, but citrons.

Distinctive feature appearance- bumpy knobby peel. The aroma is more spicy and less "sour" than lemon. The peel can be up to five centimeters thick. Consequently, there is no room left for pulp and juice inside. But in citron, the pulp is not used, but the peel is used. Candied fruits are made from citron, jam is made, lemonade is prepared, used in cosmetics and perfumes, added to tea or eaten raw right with the peel.

In the citron family, there is one unique specimen that does not look like citrus fruits, because it looks like ... a human brush with curved in different sides or fingers held together. His name - buddha hand. This fruit is remarkable in that it has the most fragrant fruits and the most marvelous shape of all members of the family. It is loved by lovers of exotic indoor plants.

plant care

Caring for the Buddha's hand is no more difficult than caring for other indoor citrus fruits, such as lemons. He is perhaps the most thermophilic of all relatives - he dies even with a short exposure to sub-zero temperatures. But in the apartment on the windowsill in winter time feels quite well and actively bears fruit. The total weight of one fruit grown in an apartment rarely reaches more than 500 grams. The skin of the Buddha Hand citron is not too thick, bumpy, there is pulp inside and not too sour, but fragrant juice.

Citron can be grown from a seedling, from a cutting, or from seeds. Seeds are sown in March in a special substrate for citrus fruits. Seeds germinate in three weeks. For further growth and development, they need to provide a warm place without drafts and direct sunlight. The sun's rays oppress him and do not allow him to develop normally.

In summer, the seedling can be taken out into the air, protecting it from the sun and draft. Watering is necessary plentiful, not allowing the coma to dry out. Water is used room temperature, settled. It is also necessary to support high humidity air by spraying or pallets with wet expanded clay.

In winter, the citron hand of the Buddha should stand in a bright, cool room with a temperature of + 14 ... 16 ° C. A dormant period with a decrease in temperature is required. Watering is also reduced.

A citron grown from a cutting or seedling begins to bear fruit in the third year. If you grow a Buddha hand from a seed, you have to wait seven or eight years for fruiting.

Citron has been used since ancient times as a vitamin-containing and medicinal plant with strong bactericidal properties. The use of citron for seasickness and as an antidote was described by Pliny. Citron fruits are also used to normalize the functioning of the digestive system, in the treatment of respiratory diseases, in toxicosis in pregnant women, dysentery and rheumatism. It is used in massage creams to enhance subcutaneous blood flow, in shampoos to saturate the hair with vitamins and eliminate dandruff. Essential oil used in aromatherapy, as an antiseptic and antibiotic. The bactericidal properties of citron are stronger than lemon. Citron disinfects the air, repels insects.

Buddha Fingers or Finger Citron

The first citron citrus plants, caught in the Mediterranean as early as 300 BC, with the army of Alexander the Great. And in Mesopotamia, citron was known for 4 thousand years BC. which was confirmed by the excavations of Ancient Nyipra and Babylonia.

Buddha's hand, Citron, cedrat (Citrus medica) also has names: "Corsican" - Corsican lemon, "Diamond" - Sicilian citron, "Ethrog" Israeli spindle-shaped citron, fingers (or hand) of the Buddha, in China they call "fu show", Bushukon in Japan, Liamau Yari, Jerek Tangan, Layamau Lingtang Kerat in Malaysia, Dhiruk Tangan in Indonesia, Som-Mu in Thailand, Phat-Thur in Vietnam.

The citron is remarkable in that it has huge and very fragrant fruits, bears fruit well, but is very thermophilic and does not tolerate cold. AT room conditions reaches up to 1.5 meters. It has large, slightly wavy, elliptical, shiny, dark green leaves. The flowers are large, solitary or in inflorescences, white with a reddish tinge, bisexual or functionally male. Of all citrus fruits, it has the most large fruits- their length is 12-40 cm. Oblong, yellow, sometimes orange with a very thick peel of 2.5 - 5 cm. In shape, the fruits are oblong, resembling a bunch of bananas with a ribbed surface. All parts of the plant and the flowers and fruits are extraordinarily fragrant.

At its core, the hand of the Buddha is an unusual type of lemon, in which very often there is nothing but the peel. This fruit is attractive not only for its unusual view, but also aromatic properties: tea is brewed from it, jam, marmalade and perfumes are made. Candied fruit is made from the peel of the citron.

Citron acid clears the complexion and reduces freckles. The prepared ointment helps in the treatment of lichen. Due to the fact that citron fruits have a bactericidal effect, decoctions and lotions can be used in the treatment of various infections. A decoction of leaves and flowers has a tonic effect on the scalp and hair follicles, which gives the hair a healthier color. If you hold a peel of citron in your mouth a little, it will freshen your breath and give a pleasant smell.

But in China, Buddha's fingers are kept at home as a talisman that brings good luck, happiness, longevity and drives away various evil spirits from the house.