Buddha fingers are a fun and unique citrus variety, prized more for their aromatic zest than their flesh. These fruit look like multiple elongated yellow fingers and the entire fruit is edible, including the peel. Not quite as bitter or tart as a regular lemon, they are used as a decorative element in culinary creations, for their zest in flavoring, or as a natural air freshener due to their delightful lemony fragrance. 
 
Taste Profile: The pith (white part under the peel) is less bitter than other lemons and can be mildly sweet. The fragrant zest offers an intense lemony aroma and flavor with floral undertones. It contains very little to no pulp or juice.
 
Texture Profile: The fruit is mostly peel and pith, with finger-like sections. The peel is thick and the pith is somewhat spongy.
 
How to Ripen Quickly: Buddha's Hand is typically harvested when mature and fragrant. It doesn't significantly ripen further off the tree.
 
How to Keep Fresh Longest: Store Buddha's Hand in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
 
Drink Recipes:
Buddha's Hand Zest Infused Vodka: Infuse vodka with strips of Buddha's Hand zest for a fragrant citrus-flavored spirit.
Buddha's Hand Syrup: Simmer thinly sliced Buddha's Hand (mostly zest and some pith) with sugar and water to create a fragrant syrup for cocktails or beverages. 
 
Meal Recipes:
Buddha's Hand Candied Peel: Candied Buddha's Hand peel makes a fragrant and unique sweet treat or garnish.
Buddha's Hand Zest in Marinades: Use grated Buddha's Hand zest in marinades for fish or poultry to add a bright citrus aroma and flavor.