A Buddha's hand is a very strong scented, odd looking citrus fruit. Sometimes called a Buddha's hand citron, it is an ancient fruit that is not commonly thought of for its cookery uses. The flavor and scent of a Buddha's hand are similar to those of a lemon, but its appearance is very different.

The Buddha's hand is bright yellow, and its long yellow "fingers" can number from five to 20. The Buddha's hand needs warm weather to grow and can be damaged by the cold, but also by intense heat. Areas such as Southern California have ideal weather conditions in which the fruit can flourish.

The Buddha's hand can be found growing on small trees, and it is thought to have originated in India. Other stories claim that the fruit was used as an offering in religious ceremonies. When the fingers of the fruit are closed, they symbolize the closed praying hand. The Buddha's hand is thought to be one of the oldest known citrus fruits.

In China and Japan, the fruit is mainly used to scent or freshen rooms. It is also popular in fragrances and perfumes with a citrus base. The flesh of the fruit is not juicy, and the little pulp there is is incredibly tangy. Unlike most citrus fruits, Buddha's hand does not have a bitter pith.

The rind of the fruit is often used to make a zesty marmalade, but it can also be added to drinks to impart a lemony taste. Chefs sometimes use the fruit as a flavoring for fish. It is also excellent in salads and rice dishes. The rind is often used as a main ingredient when making candy. It can also be mixed with ice cream or yogurt to give an extra kick.

The Buddha's hand is becoming an extremely popular alternative to the lemon in a number of dishes. The fingers should be cut off, sliced, and then peeled. All of the fingers can be used when cooking.

The Buddha's hand can be found in some supermarkets, but it is more likely to be found in fresh fruit markets and whole food stores. Prices will vary, but expect to pay around 9 US dollars (USD) for one Buddha's hand. When ripe, the fruit will keep for around two weeks at normal room temperature.