Citron
Citrus medica · Citrus
Top 10 pairings
The citron (Citrus medica) is a large, fragrant, thick-skinned citrus fruit grown almost entirely for its rind rather than its flesh. Inside the bumpy yellow peel lies a deep layer of white pith and only a little dry, acidic or faintly sweet pulp — so the fruit is prized for its intensely perfumed zest and for the candied peel ("succade") that flavours fruitcakes, panettone and confectionery the world over.
Picking a good onedrag
Dense, taut, oil-slick rindLight, slack, rind dulling
Shop firmEveryday bestThe all-rounder: zest, candied peel, preserving.
RindFirm and matte, a green cast or russet patch
HeftHeavy, the rind gives a shade under thumb
Stem endCalyx gone, the scar dry and pale
Scratched peelClearly fragrant, but you have to scratch
Keeping ittap a temperature
Below about 10 °C the rind pits and browns, and nearly every etrog strain is injured under 12 °C, so a cool larder beats the fridge.
85-95%
Humidity
Loose bag, not sealed
Airflow