Balady citron

Balady Citron is a variety of citrus fruit that is native to the Middle East. It is also known as the Etrog or Esrog, and is one of the four species used during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

History

The Balady Citron has been cultivated in the Middle East for thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in India and was brought to the Middle East by traders. The fruit is mentioned in the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, and has been used in religious rituals for centuries.

Description

The Balady Citron is a small, oval fruit that is similar in appearance to a lemon. It has a thick, bumpy rind that is bright yellow when ripe. The flesh of the fruit is dry and contains few seeds. The Balady Citron is prized for its aroma, and is often used as a natural air freshener.

Cultivation

Balady Citrons are typically grown in hot, dry climates. They require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. The trees are small and bushy, and produce fruit year-round. The fruit is typically harvested in the fall, in time for the Sukkot holiday.

Religious Significance

In Judaism, the Balady Citron is one of the four species used during the Sukkot holiday. The other three species are the lulav (date palm frond), hadass (myrtle), and aravah (willow). The four species are held together and waved in all six directions (east, south, west, north, up, and down) to symbolize that God is everywhere.

See Also

• Citrus
• Sukkot
• Judaism