Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Funny shaped citrus

When I went to my favorite bakery yesterday, I found funny thing placed (or rather proudly decorated, haha) on the checkout counter. I've never seen the citrus called sarcodactylis (bushukann,仏手柑; Buddha's hand plant). As it is originated in Asia, kind of a surprise not knowing it. I was told that it was presented to the store from the customer. I wonder if any of you knew this kind of sacred citrus.

*I'll quote the part of  Wikipedia page and this is the image-page   
Buddha's hand fruit is very fragrant and is used predominantly by the Chinese and Japanese for perfuming rooms and personal items, such as clothing.  The fruit may be given as a religious offering in Buddhist temples. According to tradition, Buddha prefers the "fingers" of the fruit to be in a position where they resemble a closed rather than open hand, as closed hands symbolize to Buddha the act of prayer

The owner kindly allowed me take pictures.

This is the picture from PC that you can see how they grow.


So sorry my rather frequent posting, hehe; I may take a short break considering the sticky cold.  Hope your weather is good. A bit cold here but not snowing like Tokyo causing traffic trouble (which is so unusual) ☃


17 comments:

  1. What an unusual fruit, my dear friend Miyako, and how kind you are to share it with us. Does it smell like oranges or limes? I would love to smell one of those some day. In fact, the next time I go to a large produce department, I am going to look, although they probably won't have it. Thank you so much for sharing- I hope you are feeling better, my friend!

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  2. Dearest Miyako,

    such a great surprise to knowing these unique citrus.Honestly I have never ever seen this kind of citrus, but I have seen once on Internet.
    Thanks so much for sharing this.
    keep warm and cozy.
    have a nice day
    hugs from Rome

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  3. It is a strange looking fruit and looks nothing like the citrus fruits that are sold in the US. This one looks more like a flower. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your day my little sister. Warm hugs from your bs

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  4. My dear Miyako,Oh my goodness, what a very strange looking fruit! I wonder what it would taste like. I certainly have never seen anything like it before. Thank you for sharing it with us, and I really do hope that your cold is on the wane! Hugs x

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  5. Hi Miyako, I actually purchased a Buddha's Hand several years ago. I had it in the center of my fruit bowl. Wasn't sure what to do with it, if anything. I was told it could be used like ginger root? Hope you are feeling better, my friend. xo

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  6. That's really unusual! I love the name of it too. Hope you feel better soon x

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  7. really odd-shaped thing! :)

    i do hope you can get better, finally!

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  8. Dearest Miyako,
    Yes, I knew about this type of citrus but we don´t see it here in the stores.
    Stay warm and rest well for your cold!
    Hugs to you,
    Mariette

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  9. Hi Miyako, I've never seen a fruit like this before - it looks most unusual. I'm so sorry you are not feeling well, I hope you get better very quickly. Sending you a big hug :)

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  10. This is an odd looking fruit. I've never heard of it. I would like to know what it tastes and smells like.

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  11. i've never seen this fruit,never heard/read about it. it's odd looking in a way..but very pretty in another!!! very interesting fact about the "finger position" in the offerings to Buddha!
    i'm so hoping that you get better soon!! These virus's can hang on for what seems like forever!! take good care of yourself Miyako san!!!
    xo

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  12. Hello Miyako, hope you have been well. A bit cold here also, especially at night. No, never heard of this fruit, interesting looking. Wonder what it taste like, have you tasted it? On my blog have a pic of me painted in Japan on silk when my husband was there. Been saving for many years and it's still in original colors, no fading. Hugs dear friend from Lu

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  13. It is very interesting how this fruit is used to perfume a room! It is very unusual looking. It is nice to see your blog again, Miyako.

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  14. I've never seen Bushukann. The shape is unusual but it seems like Budda's hand.
    It's pretty cold recently here in Nara. Take care!

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  15. Dear Miyako, the new year is over two weeks old, but I still wanted to stop by and wish you a Happy Healthy New Year!
    I've never heard of this beautiful fruit. Thank you for sharing it with us!
    Hope you are feeling better soon!

    Greetings from the cold and snowy Germany
    Gaby

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  16. Miyako san!
    I think very pretty of the citrus fruits I never looking before in Japan (Osaka)...
    Today I was hungry this morning there for how lovely to see Tenpra ga tabetaku narimashi ta.
    Anatano Kaje ni kio tukete kudasai mase
    We having a hot weather for most of day,
    Michiko

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  17. My sweet Miyako, what in interesting fruit! I have never seen anything like it before. I love the tradition of it's association with Buddha. Thank you so much for sharing the gems of your beautiful culture. Warmest hugs, Mina

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