12 Unusual Facts About Citron

Citron is a rare fruit that belongs to the citrus family. At the moment, it grows only in some rather limited areas. Theophrastus, Virgil, Martial also spoke about this fruit, it is also mentioned in the Bible.

Facts About Citron

1. The history of the origin of this citrus tree is shrouded in many legends. Botanists still do not know for sure how this plant got to the European mainland in general, and in particular to Italy.
2. Some historians suggest that the strange fruit was brought to the Mediterranean back in the 3rd century BC by Alexander the Great, perhaps from the coast of the Nile, Mesopotamia, or Indian lands.
3. This plant is a sprawling tree with a height of 140-160 cm. Unlike other citrus fruits, the branches of this tree are covered with sharp thorns, and the leaves have a rich green hue and a pointed oval shape. The aroma emitted by plants is so strong that it can be distinguished from a great distance from the plantations. Due to its rare aromatic properties, this citrus is often used in perfumery.
4. Delicate citron does not tolerate cold at all, therefore, in the warm latitudes of the Mediterranean, it is often necessary to cover it with reed mats. This precaution is especially necessary for those trees that are planted along the banks of rivers or near the sea.
5. Growing a citron and getting good fruits is a difficult business that requires significant labor costs, therefore among the Calabrians, there are no enthusiasts who are ready to start one tree on their site.
6. Despite the efforts of gardeners, citron yields small yields. Fruits are harvested mainly in November when they reach the required size and the desired degree of ripeness.
7. The end of the harvest is celebrated every year on the Citron Riviera with festivities. They are especially lush in the capital of the region, Santa Maria del Cedro.
8. Because of the thickness of the rind and the bitter taste, chedro is rarely consumed raw. In Asian countries, however, they began to soak citron in salted water for a long time to reduce bitterness.
9. Citron leaves are used for "exotic" dolma. The British, too, did not remain indifferent to citron - they add it to Christmas pudding. And in Japan, the fruit known as bushukan is often used to decorate all kinds of festive dishes.
10. The essence of chedro peel is also quite widely used: it is added to pasta, due to which they have a green tint, used to freshen the air, and in the Middle Ages, laundry was washed in it.
11. The edible part of citron contains from 11 to 18% dry matter, up to 3% sugars, and up to 6% citric acid. The mineral composition is represented by calcium (34-40 mg), phosphorus (20-70 mg), iron (0.4-4 mg). The vitamin complex of citron consists of beta-carotene (in the peel), ascorbic acid, essential B vitamins for humans (1, 2, and 5).
12. A decoction of citron leaves and flowers will protect the scalp and hair follicles, and give a healthy shine. Also, useful decoctions and infusions of chedro fruits and flowers have an excellent tonic effect on the hair follicles and scalp. And citron extract is included in various shampoos, balms, masks for dull and weak hair.