The Wind Up | Main | Tough Dreams

November 13, 2006

Buddha's Hand

2006-11-12 07.jpg

I found this while produce shopping on Sunday and could not help but pick it up. It was sitting on top of the lemons and looking very Simpsons-esque, however what made me buy it was its smell-- a wonderfully soft citrus scent, mixed with something that I cannot quite identify. Moreover, the thing looks like a mutant.

It turns out that it is a Buddha's Hand, otherwise known as "fingered citron," a name that makes me giggle [it is also called Goblin Fingers, a name that I whole-heartedly approve]. It has no seeds or inner flesh, is known for its fragrance and is often used as a religious offering in Buddhist temples. You cannot eat it but its peel can be candied�which sounds interesting and henceforth challenge the likes of Ms. Smitten Kitchen to carry out the task.

Mostly, the fruit is used for its fragrance and I have put it on my nightstand to test it out. I just hope that one of the cats doesn�t knock it under the bed, as I am sure that I will forget about it, only to discover Moldy Fingered Goblins rotting next to our box of summer clothes.

Posted by callalillie at November 13, 2006 2:23 AM | Rabid Rants

COMMENTS


No wonder I'm fond of citrus fruits.
Candied Goblin fingers--wasn't that in a Harry Potter book? Enjoy, but beware cat antics!

Posted by: Vickie at November 12, 2006 9:24 PM

Ew! How can you sleep with that *thing* next to you? Hopefully it won't suck your brains overnight...

Posted by: mollysusie at November 12, 2006 10:26 PM

i want to know what it smells like, i love citrus. wear grapefruit perfume. may have to go buy one myself but i always get lost going down there...

Posted by: grumpygirl at November 12, 2006 11:28 PM

it's a very mild citrus smell...but kind of perfumey and not very strong. after posthipchick told me that it looked like genital warts, i removed it from my bedstand, as, um...that's gross. but it still smells good.

Posted by: corie at November 13, 2006 9:24 AM

I wouldn't have gone with genital warts but it does look diseased.

Posted by: jason, yo. at November 13, 2006 10:45 AM

My favorite type of lemon.
Lovely aroma and interesting shapes.

Posted by: Petrie at November 13, 2006 11:04 AM

I saw that in the store last week and told Alex if he wasn't good, I'd make him eat it for dinner. Kidding of course. But candied citron? Yum. He should only be so lucky. Think I can pull it off one-handed?

Posted by: deb at November 13, 2006 3:02 PM

you might need to hire alex part time as a rind-extractor, but i bet you could do the candying with your right hand!

Posted by: corie at November 13, 2006 3:07 PM

Wow, nature comes up with some crazy shit.

Posted by: Liz at November 14, 2006 1:59 PM

Content & images are (c) 2003-2008 Corie Trancho-Robie | All rights reserved.