Think in taste, appreciate the ordinary

Citron

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Some confusion

sliced citron

Citron may confuse. The name, that is. It refers to the large citrus fruit with the thick rind. The other name, cedar, is potentially even more confusing. Since our fruit has nothing to do with the majestic tree.

Citron originates from the far East. It is now cultivated all around the Mediterranean basin. And we’ll be talking about the Sicilian variant.

The most beautiful tree

The citron tree is important in the Hebrew culture. As the bible mentions it as ‘the most beautiful tree’. 

Both Theophrastus as Pliny the Elder describe the fruit. Whereas the first advices against eating, Pliny assures that it’s just fine. Both point out how delicate the tree is. Making the fruit more precious.

the citron tree, heavy with fruit

Cooking with citron

candid citron

By far the easiest way is to eat is in slices. Sprinkle some salt on top and you have yourself a snack.

Candied citron is easy to prepare. Boil the diced rind three times. Then boil equal parts of sugar, rind and water. Pure joy.

The zests are useful in fish preparations. It is far more delicate than lemon and does not cover.

Citrus marmalade is simply divine. It is the rarity of the fruit that makes is difficult to find.

Cedar salad

This is a dish for lovers. You can leave the yellow peel on. Especially when you get hold of organic citron. 

Dice the fruit and mix with black olives and onion. Season with oil and salt. And some oregano if you please.

An excellent dish to serve with fish. It cleanse the palate and is therefore often served between dishes.

cedar salad

Citron ice

refreshing citron ice, actually granita

More than ice cream, granita. Mix equal parts of citron, sugar and water. In this case it is better leave the white part out. That tends to be bitter. Not what you are after in a refreshing dish.

Serve the granita at the end of a meal, before the dessert. It rinses your mouth. Do not discard the breakfast option. Not if you are a champion.

Drinks on us

There is nothing against home made cedrata. It all starts with preparing syrup. The proportion is easy. Half citron, a quarter of sugar and a quarter of water. Blend, filter and boil. Leave the syrup to cool down.

Add a spoon of syrup to a glass of cold sparkling water. 

More and more Italian soft drink producers offer cedrata. A valid alternative indeed.

wonderful green cedrata

More food articles

cutting board with cold meat, a chili pepper and a knife: very Sicilian indeed

Further more

Reference.guru

man sleeping on a bench with a typical Sicilian hat

From dusk till dawn

From dusk till dawn

An arbitrary selection of the finest place to stay overnight
snooze
silhouette of a man eating, wearing a typical Sicilian Coppola

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