Just when you thought Aunty G had introduced you to all the exotic fruits in her garden, she pulls out a peculiar, finger-like citrus that's sure to turn heads. "This, my dear, is Buddha's hand," she says with a twinkle in her eye. "It might look strange, but oh, the wonders it can do in your kitchen!" Let's join Aunty G as she unveils the secrets of this fascinating fruit.

What is Buddha's Hand?

Aunty G holds up the yellow, tentacled fruit. "Buddha's hand, also called fingered citron, is a type of citrus that's all fragrance and zest," she explains. "Unlike most citrus fruits, it has no pulp or juice inside. It's all rind and pith, but don't let that fool you – it's a treasure trove of flavour!"

Selecting the Perfect Buddha's Hand

As always, Aunty G has some wisdom to share about choosing the best fruit. "When you're picking a Buddha's hand," she advises, "look for one that's bright yellow with firm, plump 'fingers'. If the fingers are closed tight like a fist, it's not quite ripe yet. A gentle citrusy aroma is a good sign too."

Preparing Your Buddha's Hand

Aunty G's method for preparing Buddha's hand is simple and practical:

1. Give it a bath: "First things first, give your Buddha's hand a good wash in cool water," Aunty G instructs. "You want to remove any dirt hiding between those fingers."

2. Pat it dry: Use a clean kitchen towel to dry the fruit thoroughly. "Those nooks and crannies can trap water," Aunty G warns with a wag of her finger.

3. Zest away: "Now, here's where the magic happens," Aunty G says, eyes twinkling. "You can zest the entire fruit – that's right, no need to peel it first!"

Ways to Enjoy Buddha's Hand

Aunty G's enthusiasm is contagious as she shares her favourite ways to use Buddha's hand:

1. Zest it up: "The zest is wonderfully fragrant," Aunty G says. "I love adding it to cakes, cookies, and even savoury dishes for a citrusy kick."

2. Infuse your drinks: "Slice up the Buddha's hand and pop it into some vodka or gin. In a few days, you'll have the most aromatic citrus spirit!"

3. Make candied citrus: "Thinly sliced and candied in sugar syrup, it makes for a delightful sweet treat," Aunty G shares with a smile.

4. Flavour your sugar: "I keep a Buddha's hand nestled in my sugar container. It gives the sugar a lovely citrus aroma – perfect for tea!"

5. Natural air freshener: "Sometimes, I just place one in a bowl in my living room. It perfumes the whole house beautifully," Aunty G confides.

The Magic of Buddha's Hand

"Now, you won't be eating big chunks of Buddha's hand like you would an apple," Aunty G explains, "but a little goes a long way." She goes on to share that while it's not a significant source of nutrients, Buddha's hand has its own kind of magic:

• It's packed with essential oils that give it its intense aroma

• The scent is known to be uplifting and stress-reducing

• It contains limonene, a compound with potential anti-inflammatory properties

"Plus," Aunty G adds with a wink, "it's a great conversation starter!"

Aunty G's Favourite Buddha's Hand Recipes

1. Buddha's Hand Shortbread

   • Aunty G's eyes light up as she shares this recipe. "Cream 115g butter with 50g sugar. Mix in 140g flour, 1 tbsp Buddha's hand zest, and a pinch of salt. Shape into a log, chill, slice, and bake at 150°C for about 25 minutes until golden."

   • "These are simply divine with a cup of afternoon tea," she says, patting her apron.

2. Citrus-Infused Honey

   • "This one's so simple, but oh so good," Aunty G enthuses. "Just add some thin slices of Buddha's hand to a jar of honey. In a few days, you'll have the most aromatic honey for your toast or tea."

3. Buddha's Hand Salad Dressing

   • Aunty G's secret recipe: "Whisk together 60ml olive oil, 30ml apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp Buddha's hand zest, a pinch of salt and pepper. It brightens up any salad!"

Storing Your Buddha's Hand

Aunty G shares her tips for making your Buddha's hand last:

• "You can keep it on your countertop for up to two weeks. It'll perfume your kitchen naturally," she says.

• "If you want it to last longer, pop it in the fridge in a plastic bag. It'll keep for about a month."

• "You can also freeze the zest for up to 6 months. It's a great way to enjoy that citrusy flavour even when Buddha's hand is out of season."

Buddha's Hand: Beyond the Kitchen

Always one for creative ideas, Aunty G shares some unique uses for Buddha's hand:

1. Exotic bath soak: "Add some slices to your bathwater for a spa-like experience," Aunty G suggests with a grin.

2. Fragrant wardrobe: "I sometimes tuck a dried slice into my linen closet. It keeps everything smelling fresh and lovely."

3. Unusual gifting: "A Buddha's hand makes for an interesting and fragrant gift. Just tie a ribbon around it!"

As our Buddha's hand adventure comes to an end, Aunty G leaves us with some final words of wisdom: "Remember, dear, cooking is about more than just taste. It's about engaging all your senses and bringing a bit of joy and wonder to your kitchen. Buddha's hand does just that!"

With Aunty G's guide in hand, you're now ready to embark on your own Buddha's hand adventure. From selecting the perfect fruit to creating aromatic recipes and finding creative uses, you're well-equipped to enjoy this citrus curiosity. Happy zesting!