A "fruit finger" refers to the individual segments of a specific type of fruit called Buddha's Hand, which is a variety of citron. These segments are botanically known as carpels.
Understanding Fruit Fingers
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Botanical Origin: The term "fruit finger" comes from the varietal name of Buddha's hand, Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, where sarcodactylis is derived from the Greek words "sarkos" (fleshy) and "dactylos" (finger). This directly refers to the finger-like appearance of the fruit.
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Appearance: These "fingers" are not true fingers but are carpels that have developed separately into segments. They are typically fleshless, meaning they do not contain the pulpy part that is typical of other citrus fruits. Instead, they are mostly rind and pith.
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Number of Segments: A Buddha's hand can have anywhere from 5 to over 20 such segments or "fingers." This makes each fruit unique in its appearance.
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Botanical Term | Carpels |
| Physical Form | Separated, finger-like segments |
| Flesh Content | Mostly fleshless; primarily consists of rind and pith |
| Segment Count | Ranges from 5 to over 20 "fingers" per fruit |
| Fruit Type | Variety of Citron, Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, known as Buddha's Hand |
Why are they called "Fingers?"
The name "fruit finger" perfectly describes the way these carpels grow. They look like individual fingers extending from the base of the fruit, which is very distinctive and different from other citrus fruits.
