Why do Jews use an etrog?
Jews came to see the aromatic citron as God’s chosen fruit for the Sukkot holiday to fulfill the biblical commandment to “take the product of goodly trees”; by the late Second Temple period, disgruntled Israelites were using the nearly rock-hard etrog to pelt their ruler, King Alexander Jannaeus, according to one first …
What is an etrog in English?
Called “citron” in English and etrog in Hebrew, this fruit is believed to be the first citrus to arrive on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
What kind of fruit is an etrog?
Citrus medica
Etrog (Hebrew: אֶתְרוֹג, plural: etrogim; Ashkenazi Hebrew: esrog, plural: esrogim) is the yellow citron or Citrus medica used by Jews during the week-long holiday of Sukkot as one of the four species.
What is a etrog in Judaism?
etrog, (Hebrew: “citron”) also spelled ethrog or esrog, plural etrogim, ethrogim, esrogim, etrogs, ethrogs, or esrogs, one of four species of plants used during the Jewish celebration of Sukkot (Feast of Booths), a festival of gratitude to God for the bounty of the earth that is celebrated in autumn at the end of the …
Can I eat an etrog?
Although the natural fruit is quite bitter, etrog marmalade is a must because the process of soaking in water removes the bitterness and allows the natural strong fragrance to shine. You could eat etrog marmalade on toast, mixed into yoghurt, or slathered on a scone.
How much does an etrog cost?
Most etrogim sell for $10 to $15 retail; wealthy buyers might pay $1,000 for an especially fine specimen. Prices like those for an unprepossessing citrus fruit have led some consumers to wonder whether the market has been rigged.
Can you grow etrog?
Etrog trees thrive in subtropical to tropical climates. Again, as with other citrus, growing etrog citron dislike “wet feet.” Propagation occurs via grafts and seeds. Etrog citron for use in Jewish religious ceremonies cannot be grafted or budded onto other citrus rootstock, however.
Is etrog mentioned in the Bible?
Etrog is in part Moster’s detailed interpretation of the meaning of three words of Hebrew text that appear in Leviticus.
Where did the etrog come from?
The etrog originated in the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan. It then traveled to northeastern India, where it became incorporated into Ayurvedic medicine. Given its strong history of medicinal uses, the etrog may even be considered a superfood.
Where does etrog grow?
The origin of etrog, or yellow citron (Citrus medica), is unknown, but it was commonly cultivated in the Mediterranean. Today, the fruit is primarily cultivated in Sicily, Corsica and Crete, Greece, Israel and a few of the Central and South American countries.
What is the lulav and etrog?
The lulav is a cluster of plants: a palm branch, two boughs of willow, and three boughs of myrtle. The etrog is a citron fruit — basically an overgrown lemon. Together the lulav and etrog are called arba minim (ahr-BAH mee-NEEM), which is Hebrew for “the four species.”
How long does it take to grow an etrog tree?
Trees started from cuttings start to bear fruits when 3 years old, reaching peak production at 15 years and would die out in about 25 years. The Etrog citron, to be acceptable when used for religious purposes, must not be budded or grafted.
What is the tip of the etrog called?
The etrog’s condition is a very serious matter Second, the knobby bit at the top of the fruit, called pitam, must either be complete or should have naturally shed during the growing process.