Just came back from Raleys, where for the first time, I saw Buddha's Hand, Citron Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, offered for sale in the produce department. These were huge, lush and fragrant. These beauties are prized in the Far East where they are used in perfumes, as natural air fresheners, and in religious offerings. In the west, they are used more for their zest or in candied peel (think fruitcake).

Anyway, I had never seen them in a mainstream grocery store.  I did a double take when I saw the price though... 12.99...not a pound...each.  I have had a small, container grown Buddha's Hand for several years. I've only had fruit grow to maturity a few times.  This year we fixed some watering difficulties we had with the drip system and all my citrus has done better. In the book Growing Citrus by Martin Page, he says that Buddha's Hand is not very vigorous and takes a long time to become established. He also mentions that it likes heat. 

So after my trip to Raleys I had to come home and take a picture of my Buddha's Hand.  I was thrilled with it before and now I am even more excited.