Candied Buddha’s Hand and 19 Easy Recipes

Buddha's Hand Citron: Discover A Delightful Candied Recipe and 19 Easy Drink, Desserts and Savory Dishes Ideas

by wsg team

Candied Buddha's Hand recipe

Before we get to the recipes, let’s talk a bit about the star of the show: Buddha’s Hand citron.

It’s a citrus oddity that could rival Medusa’s snake-infested baby head in sheer intimidation. It’s the unsung hero of unconventional fruits. Forget the traditional citrus charm; this yellow behemoth, more reminiscent of an octopus, boldly presented itself amid suburban grapefruits and oranges at a Fresh Market in Richmond’s west end.

Intrigued by its outstretched arms, akin to a baby reaching for its mother, I couldn’t resist purchasing it.

Buddha's Hand citron fruit with few cut pieces on a table

Placing the enigmatic Buddha’s Hand on my kitchen table, I found myself staring at it, perplexed. Not being sure about how to actually use it , I turned to my Instagram and Twitter followers for advice. From tea made from the peel to zesting into pasta, the possibilities were endless.

Yet, it was the allure of infused liquor and candied peel that captured my fancy – after all, I do enjoy my indulgences.

Key Takeaways

  • Versatile Flavor: Buddha’s Hand citron brings a unique lemon-lime twist to dishes and drinks.
  • Aromatic Zest: Its zest is packed with essential oils, perfect for infusing teas, spirits, and syrups.
  • Creative Uses: From candied peel to infused liquors, there are endless culinary possibilities.
  • Culinary Exploration: Have fun experimenting with Buddha’s Hand citron in your kitchen.
  • Unique Ingredient: It’s not just tasty but also a conversation starter with its exotic origin and appearance.

With its tentacle-like fingers and citrusy allure, it’s not just a fruit—it’s a conversation starter, a culinary adventure, and a zestful journey waiting to unfold!

Buddha’s Hand citron is basically a giant lemon on steroids with its own unique flavor. Generally you can use it the same way as you would use lemons or most other citrus fruits.

Why I use this exotic fruit in my kitchen and how I fount it

I was visiting my favorite plant nursery in search of a caviar lemon tree, when I stumbled upon Buddha’s Hands for the first time. Fruits had fallen and lay on the ground, and to my delight, the seller offered them to me as a generous gesture.

Currently I have some growing in my garden. Hopefully, I’ll have the pleasure of harvesting my own soon!

What Is Buddha’S Hand Citron And Where Is It Grown

Buddha'S Hand Citron top view

 

Buddha’s Hand, scientifically known as Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, is believed to have originated in northeastern India or China. It is primarily grown in regions with warm climates, including parts of Asia, California, and the Mediterranean. In these areas, the tree thrives in well-drained soil and requires plenty of sunlight to produce healthy fruit.

The fruit can be given as a religious offering in Buddhist temples. According to tradition, Buddha prefers when the fingers of the fruit are in such a position that they resemble a closed hand, which symbolizes the act of praying.

Buddha’s Hand boasts minimal juicy flesh (mine had none), comprising mostly rind and pith, the white part of the fruit. Remarkably, unlike its citrus counterparts, the pith lacks bitterness. Its intense lemon-lime flowery aroma, coupled with a Sprite-like taste and zero acidity, makes it a unique culinary experience.

While it is not as widely cultivated as other citrus varieties, Buddha’s Hand is increasingly gaining popularity among growers and consumers for its unique ornamental appearance and culinary aromatic qualities.

What Does Buddha’S Hand Taste Like

Buddha’s Hand has a unique taste that is often described as a combination of lemon and lime, with floral and herbal undertones. It is intensely aromatic, with a strong citrus fragrance that can fill a room. However, unlike traditional citrus fruits like lemons or oranges, Buddha’s Hand does not have juicy flesh. Instead, its culinary appeal lies mainly in its aromatic zest and peel, which are used to flavor various dishes, desserts, beverages, and cocktails.

Overall, the taste of Buddha’s Hand is refreshing, bright, and distinctive, making it a sought-after ingredient in culinary experimentation

How To Eat  Buddha’S Hand

Buddha’s Hand is a unique citrus fruit that offers a wonderful aromatic experience and can be used in various culinary applications. While it’s not typically eaten as a whole fruit due to its lack of juicy flesh, there are several ways to incorporate Buddha’s Hand into your cooking and eating experience:

1. Zesting: Use a fine grater or zester to grate the fragrant zest of Buddha’s Hand. The zest is intensely aromatic and can be used to flavor a wide range of dishes, including baked goods, salads, dressings, sauces, and beverages.

2. Infusions: Buddha’s Hand can be used to infuse flavor into liquids such as water, tea, vodka, gin, or vinegar. Simply add slices or zest of Buddha’s Hand to the liquid and let it infuse for several hours or overnight to impart its unique citrus aroma and flavor.

3. Candied Peel: The peel of Buddha’s Hand can be candied to create a sweet and aromatic treat. Blanch the peel to remove bitterness, then simmer it in a sugar syrup until translucent and tender. Afterward, coat the candied peel in sugar and let it dry before enjoying as a snack or using it to garnish desserts.

4. Extracts and Tinctures: Buddha’s Hand can be used to make extracts or tinctures by steeping the zest or peel in alcohol (such as vodka or rum) for several weeks. The resulting extract can be used to flavor baked goods, beverages, and desserts.

5. Garnish: Use thin slices or twists of Buddha’s Hand as a decorative garnish for cocktails, mocktails, salads, seafood dishes, or desserts. The unique appearance of Buddha’s Hand adds an exotic touch to any dish.

Can You Eat Buddha’S Hand Raw

Well, while Buddha’s Hand is technically edible as is, but it’s not typically consumed raw like traditional citrus fruits, lacking juicy segments found in oranges or lemons. Instead, similar to lemons, it’s valued for its aromatic zest and peel, rich in essential oils with a strong lemon-lime fragrance.

If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, Buddha’s Hand can be a fascinating addition to your repertoire. Its culinary appeal lies in its zest, peel, and aromatic qualities.

Experiment with different preparation methods to discover how Buddha’s Hand can enhance your dishes.

16 Easy Homemade Buddha’S Hand Citron Recipes

Alright, now let’s dive into a bunch of fuss-free DIY Buddha’s Hand Citron recipes you can make at home!

1. Enter Buddha’s Hand-infused Tequila Blanco:

Ingredients:

  • 750 ml bottle of Tequila Blanco
  • ¼ pound Buddha’s Hand Citron (about one-third of the “fingers” or “tentacles”)

Instructions:

  1. After washing the fruit, remove about a third of its “tentacles.” Select a glass container with an airtight lid that accommodates both the tentacles and the tequila bottle.
  2. Place the cut Buddha’s Hand pieces in the jar, pour in the tequila, and let it infuse for at least 24 hours.
  3. Taste daily until the citrus flavor reaches your desired intensity (up to 5 days).

2. And Now, The Easy Homemade Candied Buddha’S Hand Recipe:

easy homemade Candied Buddhas Hand recipe

Ingredients:

  • About ¾ – 1 pound Buddha’s Hand Citron
  • 5 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 cups water

Instructions:

  1. Slice the Buddha’s Hand into approximately 3-inch slices, (about ¼ – ½ inch thick) or small cubes ensuring to include both pith and skin. Blanch the slices/cubes by boiling twice to eliminate bitterness.
  2. Then, boil 3 cups of sugar and 4 cups of water, add the blanched Buddha’s Hand, and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Place the remaining 1 ½ cups of sugar on a plate. Lift the Buddha’s Hand out of the syrup, shake off excess liquid, and coat it in sugar.
  4. Transfer the coated fruit to a drying rack and let it dry for 24 hours.

Optionally, reserve the cooking syrup for flavoring cocktails or pouring over pancakes.

 

3. Buddha’s Hand Citrus Salad recipe:

Buddha's Hand Citrus fruit Salad recipe

Ingredients:

  • Mixed citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit, blood orange, etc.)
  • 1 Buddha’s Hand citron
  • Honey or agave syrup
  • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

  1. Peel and slice the mixed citrus fruits into thin rounds.
  2. Use a zester to add thin strips of Buddha’s Hand citron to the salad.
  3. Drizzle with honey or agave syrup.
  4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

4. Buddha’s Hand Infused Vodka:

Ingredients:

  • 750 ml bottle of vodka
  • 1 Buddha’s Hand citron

Instructions:

  1. Wash and slice the Buddha’s Hand citron into thin slices.
  2. Place the slices into a clean, airtight glass container.
  3. Pour the vodka over the citron slices, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  4. Seal the container and let it infuse for 3-5 days.
  5. Strain the vodka to remove the citron slices before serving.

5. Buddha’s Hand Citron Sorbet:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 Buddha’s Hand citron
  • Juice of 2 lemons

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat until the sugar dissolves to create a simple syrup.
  2. Zest the Buddha’s Hand citron and add the zest to the simple syrup.
  3. Allow the syrup to cool, then strain out the zest.
  4. Stir in the lemon juice.
  5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  6. Transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze until firm before serving.

6. Buddhas Hand Citron Marmalade:

Buddhas Hand Citron Marmalade

Ingredients:

  • 2 Buddha’s Hand citrons
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 cups sugar

Instructions:

  1. Wash the Buddha’s Hand citrons and slice them thinly, removing any seeds.
  2. In a large pot, combine the sliced citrons and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1-2 hours until the citron rinds are tender.
  3. Add the sugar to the pot and stir until dissolved.
  4. Increase the heat and boil the mixture rapidly until it reaches the setting point (about 220°F or 105°C).
  5. Remove from heat and let the marmalade cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars.
  6. Seal the jars and store in a cool, dark place. Enjoy on toast or as a topping for desserts.

7. Buddha’s Hand Citron Lemonade:

how to make Buddhas Hand Citron Lemonade, easy recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1 Buddha’s Hand citron, thinly sliced
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  • In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Add cold water to the pitcher and mix well.
  • Add the thinly sliced Buddha’s Hand citron to the pitcher.
  • Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve the lemonade over ice cubes, garnishing each glass with a slice of Buddha’s Hand citron.

8. Buddha’s Hand Citron Glazed Salmon:

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Buddha’s Hand citron marmalade
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the Buddha’s Hand citron marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger to make the glaze.
  4. Brush the glaze generously over the tops of the salmon fillets.
  5. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.
  6. Remove from the oven and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

9. Buddha’s Hand Citron Scented Bath Salts:

easy homemade Buddhas Hand Citron Scented Bath Salts

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Epsom salt
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
  • Zest of 1 Buddha’s Hand citron
  • 10-15 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the Epsom salt, baking soda, dried lavender flowers, and Buddha’s Hand citron zest.
  2. Add the lavender essential oil to the mixture and stir well to distribute the scent evenly.
  3. Transfer the scented bath salts to an airtight container or decorative jars.
  4. To use, add a few scoops of the bath salts to warm bathwater and relax in the aromatic soak.
  5. These recipes should provide you with more options to explore the delightful flavors and aromas of Buddha’s Hand citron in various dishes and preparations!

 

10. Buddha’s Hand Citron Tea:

make Buddha's Hand Citron Tea at home

Ingredients:

  • 1 Buddha’s Hand citron
  • Water
  • Honey (optional, for sweetening)

Instructions:

  1. Start by thoroughly washing the Buddha’s Hand citron under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
  2. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the Buddha’s Hand citron, including both the peel and the inner flesh.
  3. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
  4. Once the water reaches a boil, add the sliced Buddha’s Hand citron to the saucepan.
  5. Allow the citron slices to simmer in the water for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors and aromas of the citron to infuse into the water.
  6. After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat.
  7. Optionally, you can sweeten the tea by adding honey to taste. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
  8. Using a fine mesh strainer or a tea infuser, strain the tea to remove the Buddha’s Hand citron slices.
  9. Pour the brewed Buddha’s Hand citron tea into cups or mugs.
  10. Serve the tea hot and enjoy the refreshing and aromatic flavors of Buddha’s Hand citron.

This Buddha’s Hand citron tea is not only delicious but also offers a unique and uplifting citrusy aroma that is perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and strength of the tea according to your preferences!

Also, for a twist you canvass some buddha’s hand peels to a homemade cardamom tea to make it even more awesome. Enjoy!

11. Buddha’s Hand Limoncello:

easy Buddha's Hand Limoncello recipe

 

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 large Buddha’s Hand citrons
  • 750 ml vodka or grain alcohol (at least 40% alcohol by volume)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups water

Instructions:

  1. Wash the Buddha’s Hand citrons thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
  2. Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, carefully remove the yellow zest from the Buddha’s Hand citrons, avoiding the bitter white pith as much as possible.
  3. Place the zest strips in a large, clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
  4. Pour the vodka or grain alcohol over the zest in the jar, ensuring that all the zest is submerged in the alcohol.
  5. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place to infuse for at least 2 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days to agitate the mixture.
  6. After the infusion period, prepare the simple syrup by combining the granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves, then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
  8. Once the syrup has cooled, strain the infused vodka or grain alcohol through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove the Buddha’s Hand zest.
  9. Gradually add the simple syrup to the infused alcohol, tasting as you go until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
  10. Once you’ve achieved the desired sweetness, transfer the limoncello to clean glass bottles or jars with airtight lids.
  11. Seal the bottles tightly and store them in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 weeks to allow the flavors to meld and mellow.
  12. Serve the Buddha’s Hand limoncello chilled in small glasses as a refreshing digestif after meals or on its own as a delightful citrusy treat.

Enjoy your homemade Buddha’s Hand limoncello responsibly and savor the unique flavors of this exotic citrus fruit!

12. Buddhas Hand Simple Syrup:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large Buddha’s Hand citron (or 2 small ones)

Instructions:

  1. Wash the Buddha’s Hand citron thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
  2. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the Buddha’s Hand crosswise into thin rounds, including both the zest and the pith.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the sliced Buddha’s Hand rounds to the saucepan.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, allowing the Buddha’s Hand rounds to infuse the syrup with their flavor.
  6. Let the syrup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
  7. After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
  8. Once the syrup has cooled, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the Buddha’s Hand slices, pressing down gently to extract any remaining liquid.
  9. Transfer the strained syrup to a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
  10. Store the Buddha’s Hand simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, where it can be used to sweeten cocktails, lemonades, teas, and other beverages.
  11. Enjoy experimenting with this fragrant and flavorful Buddha’s Hand simple syrup in your favorite drinks and recipes!

13. Buddha’s Hand Cocktail:

Buddha's Hand Cocktail recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka or gin
  • 1 oz fresh Buddha’s Hand juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Ice cubes
  • Buddha’s Hand peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add vodka or gin, fresh Buddha’s Hand juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass or over ice in a rocks glass.
  5. Garnish with a twist of Buddha’s Hand peel.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

14. Buddha’s Hand Mojito:

homemade Buddha's Hand Mojito

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz white rum
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz Buddha’s Hand simple syrup
  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves
  • Soda water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedges and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with fresh lime juice and Buddha’s Hand simple syrup.
  2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  3. Pour in the white rum and stir well.
  4. Top off with soda water.
  5. Garnish with lime wedges and mint sprigs.
  6. Stir gently and enjoy your refreshing Buddha’s Hand Mojito!

15. Buddha’s Hand fruit Sour recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed Buddha’s Hand juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Ice
  • Egg white (optional)
  • Buddha’s Hand zest for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Shake the bourbon, Buddha’s Hand juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) vigorously with ice in a shaker.
  2. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  3. Garnish with a twist of Buddha’s Hand zest.

 

16. Buddha’s Hand citron fruit Margarita:

Buddha's Hand citron Margarita

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila blanco
  • 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz Buddha’s Hand simple syrup
  • Salt for rimming (optional)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Rim the glass with salt by rubbing the rim with a lime wedge and dipping it into salt (optional).
  2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  3. In a shaker, combine tequila blanco, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and Buddha’s Hand simple syrup.
  4. Shake well until chilled.
  5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over ice.
  6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
  7. Serve and enjoy your zesty Buddha’s Hand Margarita!

Whew! Now you’re all set to embark on a culinary adventure with these fantastic Buddha’s Hand recipes. These cocktails offer a delightful combination of flavors and are sure to impress your guests or make for a refreshing treat after a long day.

Eager to explore recipes featuring this remarkable fruit, I present the first one featuring fish.

17. Pickled ginger-Buddha’s hand cod.

Pickled ginger-Buddha's hand cod

Ingredients

(Serves 4):

4 cod fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Pinch of fleur de sel
Sichuan pepper
Toasted sesame seeds

Pickled ginger:

  • 150g fresh ginger
  • 100ml rice vinegar
  • 100ml mirin (optional)

Spinach sauce:

  • 250g fresh spinach or 100g frozen
  • 8 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 tablespoons cold water

Sauce vierge:

  • ¼ Buddha’s Hand
  • 60g pickled ginger
  • 100ml lemon juice
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 sprigs of coriander, leaves stripped
  • 3 spring onions
  1. Peel and thinly slice the ginger, then simmer it in a saucepan with mirin and vinegar. Let it steep over low heat for 30 minutes. Drain, reserving the ginger-flavored vinegar for another use.
  2. Blanch the watercress for three minutes in boiling salted water, then shock it in ice water to retain its vibrant green color. Drain and blend with olive oil and cold water. Set aside.
  3. Slice the Buddha’s Hand thinly with a mandolin. Combine pickled ginger, olive oil, and lemon juice.
  4. Finally, finely chop the spring onions and coriander for the virgin sauce.
  5. In a hot pan, sear the cod fillets skin-side down for four to five minutes, seasoning with fleur de sel and Szechuan pepper.
  6. Plate by spooning a dollop of watercress sauce, placing a cod fillet, and garnishing with sesame seeds and the virgin sauce. Serve with rice.

 

18. Chicken with cardamom and buddha’s hand

Difficulty: 2/5
Preparation: 30 minutes
Cooking: 20 minutes

Ingredients

(serves 4):

  • 1 large onion
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 4 chicken fillets
  • 1 tablespoon cardamom seeds
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • Zest of Buddha’s Hand
  • Chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons thick fresh cream
  • Olive oil
  • Salt, pepper

decoration:

  • Carrots of different colors
  • 30g butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • Thai rice
  1. Begin with the side dish: peel, wash, and slice the carrots. Place them in a pan with water, adding butter, salt, and sugar. Cover the pan with parchment paper pierced with holes and bring to a boil, then simmer for about twenty minutes.
  2. While the carrots cook, start preparing the rice.
  3. Next, peel and mince the onion and garlic. Cut the chicken fillets into pieces. In a Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until translucent. Add the chicken, cardamom, Buddha’s Hand zest, and turmeric. Sauté for three minutes, then add chicken broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. As the chicken cooks, finish caramelizing the carrots. Remove the parchment paper and continue cooking until the water evaporates, ensuring the carrots are well coated with butter.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside. Add the cream to the Dutch oven and simmer for another five minutes to thicken the sauce. Return the chicken to the pot to warm through and coat with the sauce.
  6. Finally, drain the rice, plate everything, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

19. Coconut and pineapple ice cream with Buddha’s hand citron

Coconut and pineapple ice cream with Buddha's hand citron

Here’s my take on the second frozen log, a delightful closure to any Christmas feast. This time, I’ve ventured into exotic flavors by combining pineapple, Buddha’s hand, and coconut.

This recipe spans over two days: crafting the meringue and insert on the first, and preparing the coconut ice cream and assembly on the second.

Italian Meringue:

  • 35g egg white (approximately 1 egg white)
  • 100g sugar
  • 25g water

Pineapple Ice Cream with Buddha’s Hand:

  • 350g fresh pineapple
  • 20g Buddha’s hand
  • 35g sugar
  • 125g water
  • Butter

Coconut Ice Cream:

  • 40 ml coconut milk
  • 20 ml whole liquid cream
  • 80g powdered sugar
  • 60g egg yolks
  • 20g grated coconut

Let’s break down the process:

Italian Meringue:

  1. Heat sugar and water in a saucepan until it reaches 118°C.
  2. Beat egg whites until frothy.
  3. Slowly pour the syrup into egg whites while beating until cooled and shiny.
  4. Pipe the meringue and bake at 80°C for about 1 hour, then let it dry overnight.

Pineapple Ice Cream with Buddha’s Hand:

  1. Make a syrup with sugar, water, and Buddha’s hand.
  2. Add fresh pineapple cubes and simmer.
  3. Blend the pineapple pulp with the syrup and Buddha’s hand.
  4. Pass through a sieve, add roasted pineapple pieces, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  5. Churn for 30 minutes, fill an insert, and freeze.

Coconut Ice Cream:

  1. Make a coconut custard by heating coconut milk and cream.
  2. Combine blanched egg yolks and sugar, then pour in the warm coconut mixture.
  3. Cook until reaching 84°C, strain through cheesecloth, add grated coconut, and chill for at least 2 hours.
  4. Churn for 30 minutes.

Assembly:

  1. Fill the log mold halfway with coconut ice cream, add the insert, cover with more ice cream, and place the meringue sole on top.
  2. Freeze for at least 4 hours, then unmold and decorate before serving.
  3. Allow it to thaw for about 10 minutes before indulging. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
easy homemade Candied Buddha’s Hand recipe

Easy Homemade Candied Buddha’S Hand Recipe

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Ingredients
  

  • About ¾ - 1 pound Buddha’s Hand Citron
  • 5 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 cups water

Instructions
 

  • Slice the Buddha’s Hand into approximately 3-inch slices, (about ¼ - ½ inch thick) or small cubes ensuring to include both pith and skin. Blanch the slices/cubes by boiling twice to eliminate bitterness.
  • Then, boil 3 cups of sugar and 4 cups of water, add the blanched Buddha’s Hand, and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Place the remaining 1 ½ cups of sugar on a plate. Lift the Buddha’s Hand out of the syrup, shake off excess liquid, and coat it in sugar.
  • Transfer the coated fruit to a drying rack and let it dry for 24 hours.

Notes

Optionally, reserve the cooking syrup for flavoring cocktails or pouring over pancakes.

Enjoy the zesty journey! And ..Cheers!

FAQs:

What is Buddha’s Hand citron?

Buddha’s Hand citron is a unique citrus fruit characterized by its finger-like segments and aromatic zest. It is valued for its strong lemon-lime flavor and aromatic qualities.

Can you eat Buddha’s Hand citron raw?

While technically edible, Buddha’s Hand citron is not typically consumed raw due to its lack of juicy flesh. Instead, its zest and peel are prized for culinary use.

What are popular ways to use Buddha’s Hand citron in recipes?

Popular uses include candying the peel, infusing liquors such as vodka or tequila, flavoring syrups and sauces, and adding zest to desserts, salads, and savory dishes.

Where can I find Buddha’s Hand citron?

Buddha’s Hand citron is available at specialty grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and sometimes in the produce section of well-stocked supermarkets, particularly during its peak season.

How do I store Buddha’s Hand citron?

Store Buddha’s Hand citron in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator if you’re not planning to use it immediately. So, it can also be frozen for longer-term storage.

Are there any health benefits associated with Buddha’s Hand citron?

Now, Buddha’s Hand citron, like other citrus fruits, is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Its aromatic compounds may also have potential health benefits, though more research is needed.

Can I substitute Buddha’s Hand citron for other citrus fruits in recipes?

While Buddha’s Hand citron has a unique flavor, its zest can often be used as a substitute for lemon or lime zest in recipes, adding a distinctive twist to familiar dishes.

Are there any precautions to take when using Buddha’s Hand citron in recipes?

When using the zest or peel, make sure to wash the fruit thoroughly to remove any dirt or contaminants. Additionally, avoid using the white pith if it tastes bitter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, experimenting with Buddha’s Hand opens up a world of culinary possibilities, from zesty cocktails to delectable desserts. Whether you’re infusing tequila, crafting candied peel, or adding a citrusy twist to your favorite dishes, the versatility of Buddha’s Hand is truly remarkable.

So,  next time you encounter this extraordinary fruit, don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen and savor its unique flavors.

Have you tried making a recipe with Buddha’s Hand citron before? If you have any suggestions or questions feel free to ask in the comments section below.

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