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Etrog citrons are large fruits, averaging 10 to 15 centimeters in length, and have an oval to oblong shape with one flattened, curved end and a tapered, pointed end. The fruits have a characteristic thick, bumpy, and ridged rind, and the textured, glossy surface is also covered in oil glands that emit an aromatic, floral fragrance with a distinct scent of lemon and violets. One defining characteristic of an Etrog is the pitam or dried flower stigma that extends from the non-stem end. This attached pitam is one of the most important traits found in Etrog citrons used for religious purposes. Underneath the rind, there is a thick, white, and spongy pith that is edible, sweet, and slightly bitter, and fruits contain mostly pith with little to no flesh. Depending on the variety, if there is pale-yellow flesh, it is divided into 11 to 13 segments and is firm, dry, and acidic encasing many cream-colored seeds. Etrog citrons have a pine-like, citrus scent when sliced, and the pith is generally mild with floral, sour, and sweet notes.
Seasons/Availability
Etrog citrons are available in the fall through winter.
Current Facts
Etrog citrons, botanically classified as Citrus medica, are an ancient type of citrus belonging to the Rutaceae family. The unusually ridged, tapered fruits have been cultivated since Biblical times and are primarily grown for traditional Jewish rituals. The name Etrog translates from Modern Hebrew to mean “citron” and is a general descriptor used to encompass many distinct cultivars found throughout the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Asia. In the modern-day, Etrog citrons are considered rare, growing on small trees that have been sporadically planted worldwide, and the fruits are mainly sought out for their religious symbolism in Jewish traditions.
Nutritional Value
Etrog citrons are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation, and protects the body against free radical damage. The fruits also contain fiber to regulate the digestive tract, potassium to maintain blood pressure, and lower amounts of manganese, zinc, iron, and vitamin B6.
Applications
Etrog citrons are used for their fragrant rind and pith in cooked applications. The ends of the fruits should be sliced and removed, and the seeds and flesh are also discarded, leaving only the pith and rind. Once prepped, the pith and rind can be lightly boiled to remove bitterness, and the pieces are then simmered in sugar to develop a sweeter flavor. Cooked Etrog can be incorporated into cakes, cookies, and other baked goods, or the boiled pieces can be candied as a sweet treat. Etrog can also be simmered into marmalades, jellies, and jams, or it can be infused into vodka as a citrus, floral flavor. In addition to infusions, Etrog can be cooked into a simple syrup and mixed into sparkling water, teas, or other beverages. Etrog pairs well with fruits such as peaches, cherries, berries, and pears, nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, and pecans, vanilla, and basil. Whole, unsliced Etrog will keep 2 to 4 weeks when stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. In the refrigerator, the fruit will last for 3 to 8 weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Etrog citrons are one of the four species used in prayer during Sukkot, a Jewish harvest festival also known as the Feast of the Tabernacles. The seven-day fall celebration is held to remember the Israelites pilgrimage from Egypt to the Temple in Jerusalem. Etrog is believed to be the “fruit of the Godly tree” mentioned in the Old Testament and is traditionally used during morning prayers and blessings. During the morning blessing, an Etrog is held in one hand while willow branches, myrtle branches, and a palm branch are held in the other, and both are waved around in every direction to symbolize unity. Etrog citrons used for Jewish traditions must meet many standards, including the tree not being grafted, the fruits being unblemished, and the pitam or flower remnants intact on the end of the fruit. Some Etrog citrons have sold for over $100, and after the fruits are used in the morning prayers, they are wrapped in delicate fibers and stored in a silver ornamental box for safekeeping.
Geography/History
Etrog is believed to be native to India and was spread to Israel in the early ages. The ancient fruits were thought to have been the first cultivated citrus and was widely prevalent in Biblical times. Etrog was used in Ancient Egypt for embalming mummies, and archeological excavations have found seeds, artwork, and coins depicting Etrog in Jerusalem and the surrounding regions of Israel. Over time, Etrog was spread throughout the Mediterranean as Jewish communities began settling in other areas. Today Etrog is primarily grown in Israel, India, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Morocco. The citrons are also produced through a few farms in Central California for local sale and export.
Etrog citrons are known for their unique features, such as their thick, bumpy rind and aromatic oil glands that release floral fragrances like lemon and violets. Their non-stem end has a pitam, or dried flower stigma, which is crucial for their use in religious traditions. Unlike most citrus, Etrogs are mainly comprised of sweet yet slightly bitter pith, with minimal flesh. If flesh is present, it's firm, dry, and acidic with hints of pine and citrus.
Gaytan Family Farms
Etrog Citron from Gaytan Family Farms..Etrog citrons offer a versatile culinary experience with their fragrant rind and pith. After discarding the seeds and flesh, the pith and rind can be boiled to reduce bitterness and then simmered in sugar for sweetness. They are perfect for candied treats, marmalades, jams, cakes, or even infused in vodka for a citrusy twist. Stored whole, they last 2 to 4 weeks in cool, dry places or 3 to 8 weeks refrigerated.
Fresh Etrog citron can be found @metropolitan market in Queen Ann Seattle..Etrog citron: These ancient fruits are part of the Citrus medica species within the Rutaceae family. Cultivated since Biblical times, Etrog citrons are rare and grow on small trees planted sporadically across the world. They are valued for their religious symbolism in Jewish traditions, as well as their high vitamin C content, which boosts immunity and combats inflammation.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Etrog citron is believed to have originated in India and is considered one of the first cultivated citrus fruits. In Biblical times, it was widely prevalent and even used in Ancient Egypt for embalming mummies. Seeds, artwork, and coins depicting Etrog have been found in archaeological excavations in Jerusalem. Today it is grown in Israel, India, Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, and a few farms in Central California.
Mud Creek Farms
Santa Paula, CA
(805) 525-0758
Etrog citrons are integral to Sukkot prayers, symbolizing unity when paired with willow, myrtle, and palm branches during morning blessings. They are considered the "fruit of the Godly tree" from the Old Testament. To be used in Jewish traditions, Etrog citrons must be unblemished, ungrafted, and retain their pitam. Some have been sold for over $100 and stored in ornate silver boxes after their ceremonial use.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92110
View on Instagram
6192953172
Etrog Citron from Mud Creek Ranch..Etrog Citron: These large fruits, 10-15 cm in length, have a thick, bumpy rind emitting a floral fragrance reminiscent of lemon and violets. Unique for their pitam, a dried stigma on the non-stem end, they are cherished for religious use. Beneath the rind lies a spongy, edible pith that's sweet yet slightly bitter, with minimal flesh. When sliced, their citrus aroma has pine-like undertones.
Mud Creek Farms
Santa Paula
(805) 525-0758
Etrog citrons are highly versatile and primarily valued for their rind and pith, as the flesh and seeds are typically discarded. After boiling to reduce bitterness, the rind and pith can be simmered in sugar and used in baked goods like cookies or cakes. Etrog can also be transformed into candied slices, marmalades, or infused into vodka for a bright citrus flavor. When stored whole and unsliced, the fruit lasts 2 to 4 weeks in a cool, dry place or up to 8 weeks in the refrigerator.
Mud Creek Ranch
(805) 525-0758
Etrog citrons are ancient citrus fruits cultivated since Biblical times and are known for their cultural and religious significance. Their name, derived from Modern Hebrew, means "citron" and represents distinct cultivars found across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Asia. These unusual fruits, grown on small, sporadically planted trees, are primarily sought after for their symbolic role in Jewish rituals.
Mud Creek Farms
(805) 525-0758
Etrog: This ancient citrus fruit, believed to be native to India, was among the first cultivated citrus species and played a significant role in Biblical times. It was even used in Ancient Egypt for embalming mummies. Etrog spread throughout the Mediterranean with Jewish communities and today is grown in Israel, India, Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, and Central California for local markets and export.
Mud Creek Ranch
Etrog citrons play a special role in the Jewish festival of Sukkot, symbolizing unity during morning prayers. They are believed to be the "fruit of the Godly tree" from the Old Testament. To be suitable for religious use, the fruit must meet strict standards, such as being unblemished and ungrafted, with its pitam intact. These citrons are so cherished that some have sold for over $100 and are stored carefully in ornate silver boxes after use.