Zesty wonders of the world

Some fruits just sit there like ‘still-life’ subjects. Others slice through the ordinary! Join Soujanya Pandey, X E, and
Ojas Aditya, X C, AIS Vas 6, as they help you uncover which tang-tastic wonder best matches your vibe.

Buddha’s hand
Origin: Northeastern India and China
Citrus couture: This fruit has finger-like segments that spread out like a praying or cupped hand, giving it, its unusual name.
Tang profile: Subtly sweet, floral, fragrant like orange zest mixed with lemon.
Tangy titbit: Said to have transformed from a bitter citron, it is unlike any other citrus; this one has no pulp at all. Just pure zest.
Ubiquitous utility: Ideal for infusions, candies, vinaigrettes, and often used as temple offerings in China and Japan
during New Year.

Bergamot
Origin: Calabria, Southern Italy
Citrus couture: Globular with glossy, aromatic skin that
shifts from green to bright yellow as it ripens, containing
pale-yellow juicy flesh.
Tang profile: Juicy but very tart and bitter, making it unsuitable for
direct munching.
Tangy titbit: It is sometimes referred to as ‘Aphrodite’s apple’ in
ancient poetry.
Ubiquitous utility: Approximately 40-60% of perfumes worldwide
include bergamot; famous for flavouring Earl Grey tea.

Meyer lemon
Origin: China
Citrus couture: Golden-yellow to orange peel, thin-skinned, smooth, and often found to be seedless.
Tang profile: Sweet, less acidic, floral, zesty with hints of mandarin, almost dessert-like.
Tangy titbit: Named after botanist Frank Nicholas Meyer, who introduced it to the US in 1908; also known as the juiciest lemon on Earth.
Ubiquitous utility: Perfect for dips, beverages, zesting, and desserts.

Sour orange
Origin: Myanmar, Northeastern India, and China
Citrus couture: Round or oval, thick dimpled rind, deep orange colour, and tough to peel.
Tang profile: Firm, sour, bitter, full of seeds (not ideal for raw eating).
Tangy titbit: It was Europe’s only known orange for over 500 years. Linked to the Greek ‘golden apples’ of the Hesperides, guarded maidens gifted by Gaea to Hera.
Ubiquitous utility: Perfect for marmalades, sauces, marinades, and lemon substitutes.

Moro blood orange
Origin: Sicily, Italy
Citrus couture: A dazzling rind blending red, orange, and burgundy; inside lies deep ruby-red to violet flesh.
Tang profile: Tangy, tart, berry-like, and refreshing.
Tangy titbit: Connected to Persephone and the underworld, the fruit’s red colour is said to echo ancient myth.
Ubiquitous utility: Used for sourness in dishes, candied snacks, and even consumed as dried slices.

Finger lime
Origin: Australia
Citrus couture: Slim, oblong fruits with
colours ranging from green to purple to
reddish orange. Inside are crisp pulp pearls.
Tang profile: These tiny caviar-like vesicles burst with sweet-tangy citrus essence.
Tangy titbit: Nicknamed ‘Caviar of Fruits’ and used by top chefs. In Aboriginal stories, finger lime is a ‘Dreamtime’ gift symbolising abundance and life.
Ubiquitous utility: Adds a bright citrus crunch to seafood, drinks, and desserts.