Buddha’s hand [boo-duh z hand] noun
Image courtesy of Melissa’s
An odd-looking citrus fruit related to the lemon and citron with particularly fragrant zest. In many parts of Asia, it is a symbol of happiness, longevity, and good fortune and is a traditional temple offering and New Year’s gift. Indigenous to the lower Himalayas, Buddha’s hand is known as “fo-shou” in China and “bushukan” in Japan. This unusual fruit has a clouded history. Scholars cannot agree whether Buddhist monks carried it from India to China around the 4th century A.D. or if it developed naturally in the Yangtze Valley from another citron variety.
Bakepedia Tips
You can enjoy Buddha’s hand as a seasonal ornamental fruit or in any recipe that calls for lemon zest. Choose fruit that are firm and plump, avoiding any blemishes or moldy spots. Store at cool room temperatures for up to two weeks or refrigerate for up to four weeks.
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