Produce Briefs...
Maui Onions
Two characteristics set the Maui onion apart from other yellow onions: the high sugar and high moisture content of its flesh.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Grower
Seasons/Availability
The peak season for Buddha's Hand Citron is late fall to early winter. Occasionally buddha's hands will mature out of season.
Description/Taste
Buddha's hand citron, AKA bushukan (Japanese) or fingered citron, produces deep lemon yellow fruits that vary in shape and size. The fruit splits at the opposite end of the tree's stem forming segments that have a wild finger-like appearance, hence its given name. Its flesh is void of juice, pulp and seeds, rendering it inedible. The culinary virtues lie within its oily rind which is powerfully fragrant and aromatic and utilized for its zesting properties.
Applications
Buddha's Hand contains no pulp or juice, so it's used for it's fragrant zest only. Infuse light spirits such as vodka, flavor sugar or salt for use in other recipes, substitute anywhere standard lemon zest is called for. Slice into strips and candy the peel in simple syrup, which can then be chopped and used in cakes and cookies, sweet breads, ice-cream, mousse, and cream fillings.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In China, at least half a dozen distinct varieties of Buddha's hand are grown, on several thousand acres. The trees are sold as bonsai pot plants, and the dried peel of immature fruits is prescribed as a tonic in traditional medicine.
Geography/History
Buddha's hand's ancestor, the ordinary citron, is one of the three original species of citrus. This prodigy is a genetic mutation that arose many centuries ago in the citron's homeland, within the lower Himalayan mountains. It was introduced to California in the late 19th century, grown in gardens and groves, though it has first appreciated any minor commercial success in the late 20th to early 21st century.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Buddhas Hand. One
is easiest, three is harder.
| Rancho Del Sol | Homepage |
Seasons/Availability
The peak season for Buddha's Hand Citron is late fall to early winter. Occasionally buddha's hands will mature out of season.
Description/Taste
Buddha's hand citron, AKA bushukan (Japanese) or fingered citron, produces deep lemon yellow fruits that vary in shape and size. The fruit splits at the opposite end of the tree's stem forming segments that have a wild finger-like appearance, hence its given name. Its flesh is void of juice, pulp and seeds, rendering it inedible. The culinary virtues lie within its oily rind which is powerfully fragrant and aromatic and utilized for its zesting properties.
Applications
Buddha's Hand contains no pulp or juice, so it's used for it's fragrant zest only. Infuse light spirits such as vodka, flavor sugar or salt for use in other recipes, substitute anywhere standard lemon zest is called for. Slice into strips and candy the peel in simple syrup, which can then be chopped and used in cakes and cookies, sweet breads, ice-cream, mousse, and cream fillings.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In China, at least half a dozen distinct varieties of Buddha's hand are grown, on several thousand acres. The trees are sold as bonsai pot plants, and the dried peel of immature fruits is prescribed as a tonic in traditional medicine.
Geography/History
Buddha's hand's ancestor, the ordinary citron, is one of the three original species of citrus. This prodigy is a genetic mutation that arose many centuries ago in the citron's homeland, within the lower Himalayan mountains. It was introduced to California in the late 19th century, grown in gardens and groves, though it has first appreciated any minor commercial success in the late 20th to early 21st century.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Buddhas Hand. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Tasty Palettes |
|
Melon Salad With Mint and Buddha's Hand |
| Use Real Butter |
|
Buddha's Hand Citron Vodka |
| Playing with Fire and Water |
|
Buddha's Hand Citron Salt |
| Cook Almost Anything |
|
Candied Buddha's Fingers |
