Citron

The citron (Citrus medica) is a large fragrant citrus fruit with a thick rind. It is one of the original citrus fruits from which all other citrus types developed through natural hybrid speciation or artificial hybridization.

Known Location

Triad Location: Sunstone Seahold

Growth form:

Large shrub or small tree

General habitat:

• The citron tree is highly sensitive to frost; does not enter winter dormancy as early as other Citrus species. Foliage and fruit easily damaged by very intense heat and drought. Best citron locations are those where there are no extremes of temperature.
• The soils where the citron is grown vary considerably, but the tree requires good aeration.

Uses:

fruit

• (contains vitamin C). Used by Moreta as a hopeful preventitive.
• Can be distilled into a flavorful liquor (aka: Citroncello)

Flowers:

The flowers have been distilled for essential oil which has limited use in scent making.

Wood:

Branches of the citron tree are used as walking-sticks. The wood is white, rather hard and heavy, and of fine grain.

Medicinal Uses:

In ancient times and in the Middle Ages, the 'Etrog' was employed as a remedy for seasickness, pulmonary troubles, intestinal ailments, and other disorders. Citron juice with wine was considered an effective purgative to rid the system of poison. In India, the peel is a remedy for dysentery and is eaten to overcome halitosis. The distilled juice is given as a sedative. The candied peel is sold in China as a stomachic, stimulant, Expectorant and tonic. In West Tropical Africa, the citron is used only as a medicine, particularly against rheumatism. The flowers are used medicinally by the Chinese. In Malaya, a decoction of the fruit is taken to drive off evil spirits. A Decoction of the shoots of wild plants is administered to improve appetite, relieve stomachache and expel intestinal worms. The leaf juice, combined with that of Polygonum and Indigofera is taken after childbirth. A leaf infusion is given as an Antispasmodic. In Southeast Asia, citron seeds are given as a vennifuge. In Panama, they are ground up and combined with other ingredients and given as an antidote for poison. The essential oil of the peel is regarded as an Antibiotic.

Outside Info:

Info on Citron can be found at http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/citron.html

Additional Info

• If citrons are allowed to fully ripen on the tree they will be very aromatic and the peel yellow, the inner peel very tender.
• The citron tree blooms nearly all year, but mostly in spring and the spring blooms produce the major part of the crop. The fruit is dark-green when young, takes 3 months to turn yellow. To retain the green color, firmness and uniformity desired by the dealers in candied citron, the fruit must be picked when only 5 to 6 in (12.5-15 cm) long and 3 to 4 in (7.5-10 cm) wide. Mature trees yield an average of 66 lbs (30 kg) per year but exceptional trees have borne as much as 150 to 220 lbs (68-100 kg).