Cédrat: what is it?

Too often confused with lemon, citron remains rarer. This yellow citrus has an irregular shape and larger proportions than a lemon. It is cultivated for its very fragrant bark which appeals to both perfumers as pastry chefs.

Citron season

The citron, fruit of the citron tree (Citrus medica) looks like a big lemon with more imposing characteristics: a size of about 20 cm and a weight of up to 3 kilos. Its skin, very fragrant, is yellow but not smooth, warty with a pulp less present than other citrus fruits, not very juicy with seeds and a white part called albedo. The thickness of its rind is denser than that of a lemon.

This citrus fruit is part of the Rutaceae family (Rutaceae). The tree, which can reach 4 meters, is present in Asia, Italy, Greece and Corsica. It is covered with small, very green evergreen leaves, flowers with a pleasant scent from March to September, then comes the production of citrus fruits, between September and December.

Nutritional qualities of citron

Very rich in minerals, in vitamins A, B, C and fibers, the citron is an ally for the human body.

Varieties of citron

The taste and fragrance may vary depending on the varieties grown:

• Corsican citron: large citrus fruit with yellow skin and very discreet pulp;
• Citron ‘Digitata’ or Buddha’s hand: its shape of a hand with hooked fingers is original;
• Citron ‘Diamante’: fruit with smooth skin that is often found in the production of marmalades;
• Cédrat ‘Poncire de Collioure’: Catalan variety with smooth skin;
• Citron ‘Ethrog’: large fruits with bumpy yellow skin.

Cooking the citron

The citron is more sought after for its bitter and powerful bark than for its less pulp. acid than that of lemon. Fresh, you can keep it cool, in the bin at the bottom of the fridge for 15 days. Confit, keep it safe fromair, in an airtight box.

Enjoy a good citron jam on a toasted bread or a piece of candied citron, as a treat. Find the zest of candied citron in the preparation of tiramisus, cakes or sweet pastries. In Corsica, citron is the main ingredient in a liqueur called “citron”.