Buddha’s hand Fruit Facts ,FAQs, Behaviour, Habitat, Conservation and more

Buddha’s hand Fruit Facts | Description | Distribution and Habitat | Botany and evolution | Cultivation | Uses | Cultural | Interesting facts | frequently asked questions about Buddha’s hand Fruit

The Fruit Buddha’s Hand, also known as Fingered Citron, is a unique and exotic fruit that originated in China. Its distinctive shape and fragrance make it a popular decoration for homes and temples. Despite being mostly used for ornamental purposes, this fruit is also known for its medicinal properties and culinary uses. In this article, we’ll explore the taxonomy, morphology, description, and distribution of this fascinating fruit.

Taxonomy of Buddha’s hand Fruit

Kingdom	Order	Family	Genus	Species	Variety
Plantae	Sapindales	Rutaceae	Citrus	Citrus medica	Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

Morphology of Buddha’s hand Fruit

Morphology	Characteristics
Shape	Finger-like, segmented, resembling a hand
Size	Ranges from 5-20 cm in length
Color	Yellow to green when immature, turning yellow-orange when ripe
Skin texture	Rough, bumpy, and thick

Description of Buddha’s hand Fruit

The Fruit Buddha’s Hand is a citrus fruit that is unique in appearance and fragrance. It is a member of the Citrus family, specifically the Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis species. The fruit’s segmented shape resembles a hand, and it has a distinctive fragrance that is both sweet and citrusy. It is commonly used as a decoration due to its aesthetic appeal, but it is also known for its medicinal properties and culinary uses. In Chinese medicine, the fruit is believed to aid in digestion, relieve coughs and phlegm, and promote blood circulation. In the culinary world, it is used to add flavor and fragrance to dishes such as salads, desserts, and drinks.

Distribution and habitat of Buddha’s hand Fruit

The Fruit Buddha’s Hand is native to Northeastern India and China, but it is now grown in many parts of the world, including Japan, Korea, and the United States. It thrives in subtropical and tropical climates and is typically grown in orchards or gardens. The fruit is in season from late autumn to early winter, and it can be found in specialty food stores or Asian markets. In its natural habitat, the Fruit Buddha’s Hand grows on small trees or shrubs and prefers well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. It is a hardy plant and can tolerate mild frost, but it does not do well in extreme cold or hot temperatures.

Botany and evolution of Buddha’s hand Fruit

The Buddha’s Hand Fruit, also known as Fingered Citron, belongs to the genus Citrus in the family Rutaceae. It is believed to have originated in Northeastern India or China, and it is a result of a natural mutation of the Citrus medica species. The Buddha’s Hand Fruit is a rare and exotic citrus fruit, and its segmented finger-like shape is a result of its unusual mutation. Despite its unique appearance, it is closely related to other citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.

Cultivation of Buddha’s hand Fruit

The cultivation of the Buddha’s Hand Fruit requires a subtropical or tropical climate with plenty of sunshine and moderate rainfall. It is typically grown in orchards or gardens, and it prefers well-draining soil. The plant can tolerate mild frost, but it does not do well in extreme cold or hot temperatures. It is propagated through seeds or cuttings, and it takes several years for the plant to bear fruit. The fruit is harvested when it is yellow-orange and ripe, and it can be stored for several weeks under refrigeration.

Uses of Buddha’s hand Fruit

The Buddha’s Hand Fruit is mainly used for ornamental purposes, as its unique shape and fragrance make it a popular decoration in homes and temples. In Chinese medicine, the fruit is believed to aid in digestion, relieve coughs and phlegm, and promote blood circulation. In the culinary world, it is used to add flavor and fragrance to dishes such as salads, desserts, and drinks. The fruit’s zest can be used in recipes that call for lemon or other citrus zest, and the fruit’s flesh is sometimes used to make marmalade or candied peel.

Cultural and Historical Significance of Buddha’s hand Fruit

The Buddha’s Hand Fruit has a long history of cultural and historical significance, particularly in China and Japan. In Chinese culture, the fruit is a symbol of good luck, happiness, and longevity, and it is often given as a gift during the Lunar New Year. In Japanese culture, the fruit is used in traditional ceremonies and as a decorative element in homes and temples. The fruit’s unique shape is said to resemble the hand of Buddha, and it is often displayed as a religious symbol.

Explanatory Notes for Buddha’s hand Fruit

The Buddha’s Hand Fruit is a rare and exotic citrus fruit that is known for its unique finger-like shape and fragrant aroma. It is closely related to other citrus fruits but is a result of a natural mutation of the Citrus medica species. The fruit is mainly used for ornamental purposes, but it also has medicinal and culinary uses. It is typically grown in subtropical or tropical climates and is propagated through seeds or cuttings. The fruit has a long history of cultural and historical significance, particularly in China and Japan, where it is considered a symbol of good luck and happiness.

Interesting facts about Buddha’s hand Fruit

1. The Buddha’s Hand Fruit is known for its unique finger-like shape, and it is believed to resemble the hand of Buddha, which is how it got its name.
2. The fruit is often used for ornamental purposes, as its fragrance and appearance make it a popular decoration in homes and temples.
3. Despite its unusual appearance, the fruit is edible, and it is sometimes used in cooking and baking to add flavor and fragrance.
4. The Buddha’s Hand Fruit is believed to have originated in Northeastern India or China, and it is closely related to other citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.
5. The fruit is high in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which makes it a nutritious addition to any diet.
6. The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and is often used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to treat digestive issues and respiratory problems.
7. The fruit is typically harvested when it is yellow-orange and ripe, and it can be stored for several weeks under refrigeration.
8. The Buddha’s Hand Fruit is a rare and exotic citrus fruit that is not widely available in most grocery stores, but it can be found in specialty markets and online.
9. The fruit is a symbol of good luck, happiness, and longevity in Chinese culture and is often given as a gift during the Lunar New Year.
10. The Buddha’s Hand Fruit has a unique fragrance that is often used in perfumes and candles.

General queries or frequently asked questions about Buddha’s hand Fruit

Q: Is the Buddha’s Hand Fruit edible?

A: Yes, the fruit is edible, but it is not typically eaten raw. It is often used in cooking and baking to add flavor and fragrance.

Q: Where can I find Buddha’s Hand Fruit?

A: The fruit is not widely available in most grocery stores, but it can be found in specialty markets and online.

Q: How do I know when the fruit is ripe?

A: The fruit is typically harvested when it is yellow-orange and ripe, and it has a strong fragrance.

Q: Can I grow Buddha’s Hand Fruit at home?

A: Yes, the plant can be grown at home in a subtropical or tropical climate. It is typically propagated through seeds or cuttings.

Q: Is the Buddha’s Hand Fruit high in nutrients?

A: Yes, the fruit is high in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which makes it a nutritious addition to any diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Buddha’s Hand Fruit is a unique and exotic citrus fruit with a long history of cultural and historical significance. It is closely related to other citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, but it is a result of a natural mutation of the Citrus medica species. The fruit is mainly used for ornamental purposes, but it also has medicinal and culinary uses. It is typically grown in subtropical or tropical climates and is propagated through seeds or cuttings. Despite its popularity in Chinese and Japanese cultures, the fruit is not widely available in most grocery stores. Overall, the Buddha’s Hand Fruit is a fascinating and intriguing fruit that is worth exploring for its unique appearance, fragrance, and flavor.