Definition: Etrog is a type of citron cultivated primarily in Israel. This citrus fruit has a yellow, faintly ribbed, thick peel and very little juice. The etrog is similar to a lemon in appearance, color, scent and taste. Unlike a lemon, however, the etrog has a special role in Jewish ritual.
The etrog is one of the Four Species used in a waving ritual during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The other species are the lulav (date palm frond), hadas (myrtle bough), and aravah (willow branch). The etrog is held with the rest of the Four Species before and during the Hallel and Hoshana prayers.
According to Halakha (Jewish Law), the etrog used in the mitzvah of the Four Species must have a perfect shape and must not have any blemishes on its surface. The etrog has a green stem at one end. And it may have an extension, called a pitam, at the other end. The pitam is the remnant of the part of the flower that received pollen during fertilization. An etrog that shed its pitam during the growing process is kosher. But an etrog with a pitam that breaks off during the holiday is considered damaged and no longer kosher for performing the mitzvah of the Four Species.
The etrog is mostly rind, with very little pulp or juice. In ancient times and in the Middle Ages, the etrog was used to remedy seasickness, intestinal ailments and pulmonary troubles. Today the etrog peel is used to make jam, candy, and baked goods.
The etrog is one of the Four Species used in a waving ritual during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The other species are the lulav (date palm frond), hadas (myrtle bough), and aravah (willow branch). The etrog is held with the rest of the Four Species before and during the Hallel and Hoshana prayers.
According to Halakha (Jewish Law), the etrog used in the mitzvah of the Four Species must have a perfect shape and must not have any blemishes on its surface. The etrog has a green stem at one end. And it may have an extension, called a pitam, at the other end. The pitam is the remnant of the part of the flower that received pollen during fertilization. An etrog that shed its pitam during the growing process is kosher. But an etrog with a pitam that breaks off during the holiday is considered damaged and no longer kosher for performing the mitzvah of the Four Species.
The etrog is mostly rind, with very little pulp or juice. In ancient times and in the Middle Ages, the etrog was used to remedy seasickness, intestinal ailments and pulmonary troubles. Today the etrog peel is used to make jam, candy, and baked goods.
Also Known As: Esrog
