Trifoliate orange

Citrus trifoliata

fruit

A small downy citrus, very sour and bitter, eaten only as marmalade or candied.

Origin

China

Where to find it

Grown as a defensive hedge in gardens and parks, for its long thorns; in China and Japan, its small dried fruits are sold in herbal shops.

Season (United States)

October to November

Preparation

Their fuzz is rubbed off, then the fruits are thinly sliced with the peel, without the many seeds, and cooked for a long time with sugar.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Pectins · Flavanones · Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

It withstands −20 °C: nurseries use it as a rootstock for orange and lemon trees.