Citrons (cedrat)

More information about the citron

Even if the experts do not quite agree, the origin of this name is most likely the Mediterranean cedar (Cedrus), coming from the Italian word cedro, the same name used for the coniferous cedar tree. The name-determining "similarity'" of cedar and the citron (the primal lemon) is probably due to the fruit shape and the humpbacked surface of the citron, which reminds one of the unripe cones of a cedar. It is also possible that the similar scent of these lemons and cedar resin gave rise to the word transfer.

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The citron should belong in every citrus collection! What could be better than watching the large, thick-skinned fruits ripen on your own tree? Here at Lubera, you will find a diverse assortment of these beautiful fruits. This includes the famous Buddha's Hand citron with its hand and finger-shaped fruits. 
These types of citrus fruits are somewhat more thermophilic than cultivated lemons. They also need more solar energy and warmth so that the thick fruit can grow and ripen. The peel is full of aroma glands, which are a pleasure for both the nose and palate. The finely grated lemon peel of the citron can be used as a spice for a variety of foods and beverages.

The difference between lemons, limes and citrons

The citron is indeed an actual lemon and in most languages, especially in Spanish and Italian, but also in English only this group of plants is called lemon/citron. The fruit, on the other hand, which we commonly call lemon in German, is more appropriately and more distinguishably called lime in English and Italian. So, when Goethe, in his famous song in Wilhelm Meister Mignon, sings of the 'Land where the lemons bloom', he was almost certainly mistaken: he meant a lime, and not the original and somewhat shapeless lemons... These citrus fruits should not be underestimated: they not only play an important religious role in various cultures but are also processed into delicious candied lemon peel. They are also at the beginning of the citrus culture in terms of history and word history.

Origin

This is the only citrus fruit known to the Romans and Greeks. Like many citrus species, it probably originated in India, perhaps in the foothills of the Himalayas, was spread by the Medes (in present-day Iran) and then became native to the entire Mediterranean region via Palestine and the Jewish diaspora. Over the centuries, the citron, especially the 'Etrog' variety, has become an identity-forming element of Jewish culture: it is reminiscent of the distant homeland in Palestine and symbolises fertility and perfection with its many and simultaneous flowers and fruits. Apart from its ritual use in Judaism (Etrog) and Buddhism (Buddha's Hand), this fruit has above all peel, fragrance and aroma to offer. There is very little pulp and it is also sour, dry and sometimes even bitter. 

How to use

The fruits and leaves are used to fight moths; the oils of the peel are processed into aromatic essences. And the whole peel and the albedo, the white layer under the peel (which is almost all of the fruit) is candied and made into candied lemon peel, which we find in panettone, for example. These lemons are often also called candied lemons, usually crossed with limes that have been specially selected for processing into candied lemon peel.