Buddha's hand which is also known as Buddha's Hand citron, or Fingered citron (Citrus medica var.sarcodactylus) is a fragrant citrus fruit. The Buddha's Hand citron is an exotic variety that grows in the shape of a hand with projecting fingers. It is commonly grown for its aroma and for its thick peel for candying.
The fruit itself is a type of citron and is often described as lemon-like. The fruit is segmented into finger-like sections. It has a thick peel and a small amount of acidic flesh and is seedless and juiceless. It is very fragrant and is used predominantly by the Chinese and Japanese for perfuming rooms and personal items, such as clothing.
The peel of the fruit can be candied. In Western cooking, it is often used for its zest. The inner white pith is not bitter as is usually the case with citrus, so the fingers may be cut off and then longitudinally sliced, peel pith and all, and used in salads or scattered over cooked foods such as fish.