Buddha's Hand Citron Infused Water

Buddah's Hand Citron Infused Water

I'll be the first to admit this "recipe" is not much of a recipe at all. Adding fruit to water is a pretty "been there, done that" recipe scenario, but flavoring water with Buddha's Hand citron really is muti-purposeful. This particular citrus is fairly uncommon and unbelievably fragrant, I'm talking stop you in your tracks wonderful, therefore I wanted to help encourage public awareness because they have recently started showing up in more super markets across the United States. The second purpose of using an infused water recipe is to encourage substituting more processed beverage options. I am a huge proponent of making refreshing beverages at home, which are always customizable unlike mass produced soft drinks, which are often much more harmful to the human body than homemade alternatives. Check out my recipe for Pecan Lemonade for more information on this.

Buddha's Hand citron is a an odd looking cultivated variety of the citron that appears to resemble a hand. The fruit was cultivated in the Yangzte valley in China, and modern day Chinese farmers grow up to 6 different varieties of the Buddha's Hand citron. (Smith) The fruit is popular in both China and Japan, and given as gifts around new year to bring good fortune upon a home. (Karp)

Citrons of various varieties have long been valued throughout the Mediterranean, Middle East, and East Asia for both traditional and culinary purposes. The citron came to the Middle East from the Himalayan foot hills around 700 BCE and the Mediterranean around 300 BCE, The peels of citrons have long been candied, pickled, and used to perfume rooms in Asian and Jewish religious ceremonies (McGee, 373).

I would highly suggest picking up one of these citrons if you happen to see them in your super market, the seasons in which they may appear are late autumn to early spring. If you don't wish to use this citron for a culinary purpose, just cut it open, and leave it to fill the room with its essence, it is one of those simple pleasures everyone should experience.

Buddah's Hand Citron Infused Water



Buddha's Hand Citron Infused Water


Ingredients
  • 1 Buddha's Hand citron
  • 1 Pitcher of filtered water
Cooking Directions
  1. Slice the citron into 1/4" circles, place in the pitcher of water, and place the pitcher of water in the refrigerator overnight.
Total Time: 12 hours

Citations and Further Readings:
  •  Karp, David. "Buddha's Hand Citron." Flavor & Fortune 1998: 5-6. Print.
  • McGee, Harold. On food and cooking: the science and lore of the kitchen. Simon and Schuster, 2007.
  • Smith, K. A. "What the Heck Do I Do With a Buddha's Hand? Read more: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/what-heck-do-i-do-buddhas-hand-citron-180949871/#GOYYMtt6RUop4cU6.99 Give the gift of Smithsonian ma." Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian, 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. <http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/what-heck-do-i-do-buddhas-hand-citron-180949871/?no-ist>.

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