Our last citrus fruit is the Citron. Many call it the non-juice citrus because it is very dry with only a bit of juice. It grows wild in the valleys at the foot of the Himalayas, and is native to India, near the Burma border. It is a large fruit that can weigh between 8-10 pounds.
BIBLICAL USE
The citron fruit is actually mentioned in the Jewish Torah as being required during the Feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23:40. Tradition says that they could have actually brought this particular fruit with them during the Exodus from Egypt.
OTHER USES
Per individual citron, there is less than 1 gram of protein and just a smidge over 1 
gram of fiber in each. It also has calcium, phosphorus, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, and is quite high in ascorbic acid. You will see citron as one of the main ingredients in fruit cakes, and is usually candied so the calories and sugar content is much higher.
The rind of the Citron is predominantly used, especially in 
many fragrances, and is thus cultivated mainly for its aromatic peel. Besides its use in fragrances and scents is cosmetics, it is also used in flavoring in fruitcake.
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One of the pulp-less varieties of Citron is most
unusual. It is called Buddha’s Hand, because of its “uniqueness”. According to Asian tradition, a Buddha’s hand that is closed is considered more fortunate since closed hands indicate prayer.
Another cultivar of the citron is the Etrog cultivated primarily in 
Israel. This particular citrus fruit has the similar yellow ribbed skin with its thick peel not containing much juice. It has been one of the four spices used in the wave offering of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
We’ve traveled the world in search of citrus fruits in our studies.
From the most familiar citrus to the most unusual, I trust you’ve gained a better understanding and deeper appreciation of the varieties of citrus fruit.
Here’s to your health with Citrus Fruits!
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The limequat
actually in the citrus family and somewhat resembling a small orange.
are equivalent to that of grapes: approximately 13-20 calories per kumquat, depending on the size of each. Even though they are rich in dietary fiber, they only have 1 gram of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 21 grams of carbohydrates. Even with their 12 grams of sugar, they are rich Vitamins A and C), as well as pigment antioxidants. They taste great and offer so much for your good health. The picture to the left shows kumquats with an orange on the right.
As we have already shared, limes are good for your health and have versatile uses other than in culinary dishes and drinks. Lime extracts and oils are used in cleaning supplies, perfume and aromatherapy.
familiar with Key Limes. They were already growing in the Florida Keys in the late 1880’s. We can thank Arab traders who shared these green fruits as they journeyed to the areas of the Mediterranean and into Europe. Then via the Crusaders who carried them throughout other parts of the world, and finally Columbus introduced these citrus fruits to the West Indies on his second voyage. It was Spanish explorers and settlers who actually began growing them in Florida, specifically in the area of the Florida Keys. It isn’t surprise then that these particular limes are what we now call Key Limes.
seedier. It also has a higher acidity, a strong aroma, and a thinner rind. Most consider the key lime to have a more tart and bitter flavor, and is the main flavoring ingredient in none other than Key Lime Pie. It’s my mother-in-law’s favorite pie. Besides enjoying key limes in pies, other desserts and drinks, the key lime tree has a great reputation as an indoor houseplant.
We find the origination of limes most likely in the Middle East, perhaps Southern Iraq or Persia, but it was first commercially produced in what was once called Babylonia, which is now Iran. Limes spread to Egypt and Africa and by the 1200s were introduced to Spain by the Moors and were then used throughout Europe. As we saw with lemons, Christopher Columbus took limes to the Caribbean in the late 1400’s and were later cultivated in the Florida region by Spanish explorers. They continued to gain interest and spread throughout the Americas.
allowance of citrus, lemons at first and then later limes. Because of the effectiveness of combating scurvy, the Vitamin C content for sailors was a godsend. (Scurvy is a skin or gum disease brought on by the deficiency of Vitamin C). British sailors quickly acquired the nickname of being a Limey because of their use of limes when sailing the seas.
Limes are commonly they are converted into juice or used to flavor various food dishes and drinks.
freeze affecting lemon cultivation in both California and Florida in the late 1800’s, commercial production in Florida ceased, but planting resumed in the early 1950’s where a new market for frozen lemon concentrate emerged and became popular. The tangy, invigorating and refreshing frozen juice turned into lemonade that was easy for consumers to mix with water and sugar and enjoy on those hot summer afternoons.
Vitamin C but other health benefits are their strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers/abilities.
When you’ve had a cold or sore throat, including a fever, you may have tried a cup of warm water with lemon juice and honey for soothing your irritated throat.
remove exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, tension, etc. Many times offices will use a lemon-scented or lemon-balm room freshener which some have found increases the efficiency of employees. Even sprinkling a few drops of lemon balm essential oil on a handkerchief and inhaling can help ease stress and tension which researchers at Ohio State University confirmed through their studies. Lemon aromatherapy can be an aid in enhancing a persons’ mood.
China; yet again, I wouldn’t be surprised if they began in the Garden of Eden. They were known to the Jews in Jerusalem prior to the time of Jesus. Josephus recorded that the Jews pelted an errant high priest with them during a festival in the 90’s B.C. Crusaders returned from Palestine bringing lemons to the rest of Europe. Thanks to Christopher Columbus for bringing lemon seeds to Hispaniola and the New World.
Today the largest producer of lemons, as well as limes, is India, closely followed by Mexico; however, they are also grown in various locations in the United States (California, Arizona, and Florida). Most of the commercial crop of lemons is grown in Southern California which produces close to 90% of the annual US output. With that said, it is interesting to know that lemons