Thursday, 13 January 2011

The Buddha's Hand - Strange Looking Citrus Fruit !


This strange looking South East Asian fruit is called the Buddha's Hand as it looks like the outstretched hand of a monk begging alms on his alms round. It grows predominantly in Asia and fruits from a shrub or small tree. It has a very thick skin and a delightful fragrance and as a consequence the peel is used as a fragrance for perfuming rooms and clothing.

As a result of it's name and association is is also used as a devotional offering in Buddhist temples and the version of the fruit where the 'hand' appear to be closed is preferred as they seem to be in prayer.

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