How Alain Duccasse and Martha Stewart Use Buddha’s Hand, the Fingered Citron

Celebrity chefs such as Alain Duccasse and Martha Stewart are big fans of Buddha’s Hand, a unique citrus fruit that lacks juicy flesh but offers a fragrant and versatile zest. Duccasse has used Buddha’s hand to add a bright note to earthy and savory dishes, showcasing its potential in modern vegetable-forward cooking. The fruit, native to parts of Asia, is traditionally celebrated for its cultural significance and symbolism of prosperity.

Buddha’s hand can be intimidating to use, but it is highly versatile in the kitchen. Chef Kevin Ashton recommends treating it like fragrant lemon zest, using it in salads, desserts, dressings, or infusing it into oils. Ashton suggests using the peel and zest of Buddha’s hand for its aromatic qualities, offering practical tips on zesting, infusing, and candying the fruit to elevate dishes. The best place to find Buddha’s hand is at farmers’ markets or specialty Asian grocers, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in a perforated plastic bag to prevent drying out.