How to Pick the Perfect Buddha’s Hand: A Comprehensive Guide

The Buddha’s Hand citron, with its unusual, finger-like segments, is a fascinating and fragrant fruit that often sparks curiosity. If you’re looking to purchase one, knowing what to look for is key. Here’s your comprehensive guide to choosing the best Buddha’s Hand:

The most important factors when selecting a Buddha’s hand are its firmness, color, scent, and lack of blemishes. Specifically, choose fruits that exhibit:

• Firm Peel: The peel should be firm to the touch. Avoid any fruit that feels soft, squishy, or has yielding spots. This indicates that the fruit is past its prime or potentially damaged.
• Bright Color: Opt for a vibrant, bright yellow color. The fruit starts with a dark green skin which gradually turns to yellow as it ripens. A fully yellow Buddha’s Hand signifies that it’s ripe and ready for use.
• Detectable Floral-Lemon Scent: A ripe Buddha’s Hand will have a distinct, sweet, floral-lemon fragrance. If the fruit has little to no aroma, it’s likely not ripe. The fragrance is one of its key features, so make sure it’s present.
• Intact Fingers: Look for fruits where the fingers are well-defined and not limp or shriveled. Avoid fruits with droopy fingers, as this is another indication of age or improper storage.
• Clean Peel: Avoid any fruit that has blemishes, shriveled spots, mold, or signs of bruising. A clean peel is a sign of a healthy fruit.
• Full Shape: When the fruit is young, its fingers are tightly closed and gives it a pear like shape. The fingers should be starting to open indicating that it is reaching its peak ripeness.

Following these guidelines will ensure you select a high-quality Buddha’s Hand, allowing you to fully enjoy its unique fragrance and culinary potential. Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of this fascinating fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly is a Buddha’s Hand?

The Buddha’s Hand, scientifically known as Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, is a unique variety of citron. Its name derives from the fruit’s shape, which resembles an idealized hand with multiple finger-like segments. It’s not primarily consumed for its flesh (which is minimal), but rather for its fragrant zest and peel.

Where can I find Buddha’s Hand?

You’re most likely to find Buddha’s Hand at Asian markets, specialty food stores like Whole Foods, and even some conventional supermarkets, particularly during the late fall and winter months. Availability can vary depending on your location.

How do I know when a Buddha’s hand is ripe?

A Buddha’s Hand is ripe when it has transitioned from its initial dark green skin to a bright, vibrant yellow color. Additionally, the “fingers” of the fruit should be open and well-defined, and the fruit will emit a strong, sweet, floral-lemon scent.

Is the Buddha’s hand edible?

While the Buddha’s hand does not have a significant amount of pulp or juice like other citrus fruits, it is indeed edible. Its zest and peel are highly valued for their flavor and aroma. They can be used in various culinary applications. The flesh is often described as bitter-sweet and floral.

What does Buddha’s hand taste like?

The primary flavor experience of Buddha’s Hand comes from its zest and peel. It has a bitter-sweet, bright, and floral flavor, often compared to lemon with a more intense and aromatic profile. It’s rarely consumed on its own due to the minimal flesh and pith.

How should I store a Buddha’s hand?

You can store a Buddha’s Hand at room temperature for a few days, where its fragrance will fill your space. For longer storage, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator within a plastic bag. Be sure to avoid placing any weight on the fruit to avoid bruising or damaging the fingers.

What are some uses for Buddha’s hand in cooking?

Buddha’s Hand zest and peel can be used anywhere you would typically use lemon zest. Popular applications include:

• Baking: Incorporate the zest into cakes, cookies, pastries, and pies.
• Desserts: Add the zest to custards, creams, and soufflés.
• Savory dishes: Infuse oils, vinegars, and sauces with the zest.
• Drinks: Create aromatic teas, cocktails, and lemonades.
• Candied peel: The peel can be candied and used as a sweet treat.

Is Buddha’s hand good luck?

In Buddhist communities, the Buddha’s Hand is often given as a spiritual gift, representing luck and prosperity. The shape of the fruit resembles a praying hand, making it a symbol of devotion and good fortune. It’s often used as an offering at altars.

What is the significance of the different “finger” positions?

While there isn’t a specific meaning assigned to the individual positions of the fingers in the Buddha’s hand fruit itself, the gesture of the hands in representations of the Buddha, known as mudras, carry significant meanings. For example, hands folded in the lap represent meditation; a palm held up facing outward signifies teaching or reassurance; and an open palm pointing downward signifies generosity.

How long does it take for a Buddha’s hand to ripen?

The ripening period can vary, but typically, Buddha’s hand fruits begin ripening from late summer onwards and are usually ready for harvest shortly before the start of winter. The key is to wait for the color to change to a fully bright yellow.

What is the botanical classification of Buddha’s hand?

Buddha’s hand is a variety of citron, its full botanical name being Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis. The varietal name sarcodactylis is derived from Greek, meaning “fleshy finger”, which aptly describes its unique shape.

What other names does Buddha’s hand go by?

Buddha’s Hand is known by various names depending on the region:

• Fingered Citron (common English name)
• Bushukan (Japanese)
• Fo-shou (Chinese)
• Hand of Buddha (English)

What are some of the common benefits of the fruit?

The primary benefits of Buddha’s Hand come from its fragrance and flavor. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The oils are also used in aromatherapy for their calming effect. However, the fruit is not consumed in large amounts for nutritional value.

Is it normal for a Buddha’s Hand to have no pulp?

Yes, it is absolutely normal for a Buddha’s Hand to have very little pulp. The fruit is primarily composed of peel and pith, with minimal juice-filled segments. The zest and the peel are the main components used in culinary applications.

Where is Buddha’s Hand commonly grown?

While originating from India, Buddha’s Hand is now cultivated in various regions with suitable climates, including China, Japan, and other parts of Asia. It’s also grown in some parts of the United States where the climate allows, such as California.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, you will be well-equipped to select the perfect Buddha’s Hand, and use it for its wonderful aroma and culinary versatility. Enjoy this unique gift of nature!