5 Amazing Health Benefits of Citron

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

If you’ve ever tried a citron, you know that it isn’t like most other citrus fruits, but it can provide a wide range of impressive health benefits, so add it to your fruit basket if you can.

What is Citron?

Citron is actually one of the original 4 citrus fruits – the others being pomelo, papeda, and mandarin. This large citrus fruit can have a bumpy exterior and is often colored like a lemon. The shape can vary widely, depending on the cultivar, and other factors like climate and even twig arrangement. Unlike most citrus fruits, e.g. lemons and oranges, there is a very small amount of juice in a citron, because most of the inner pulp is dry. The white rind, however, is what most people seek out for culinary uses, and due to its rich nutrient composition. [1]

Known around the world by many different names, citron is used for a variety of culinary and medicinal applications, due to its high levels of vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants.  This fruit also offers high levels of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, niacin, manganese, zinc, selenium, vitamin B6, and potassium, just to name a few.

Citron Health Benefits

Some of the top health benefits of citron include its ability to support weight loss efforts, reduce blood pressure, lower acidity in the gut, soothe pain and strengthen the immune system, among others.

A close-up shot of citron

A citron is a lemon but larger with little pulp & a very thick rind. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Reduces Hypertension

The potassium, vitamin C and other electrolytes in this fruit help improve blood pressure by reducing strain on the arteries.

Analgesic

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the juice and essential oil of this fruit make it ideal for acute pain, or chronic problems, such as headaches or discomfort from arthritis. [2]

Boosts Immune System

With a significant level of vitamin C, citron is able to stimulate the immune system and increase the production of white blood cells, the body’s first line of defense against infections. [3]

Balances Acidity Levels

The juice and oil from this fruit are able to balance acidity levels in the gut and improve overall digestive efficiency, while also eliminating problems like excess flatulence, constipation, and nausea. [4]

Citron Uses

There are quite a few ways to use citron in your daily or weekly routine, both for culinary applications and medical uses. As with using any powerful substance that is packed with antioxidants and active ingredients, moderation is recommended.

Diet

In terms of your diet, the citron rind is actually what you will be consuming after you cook it in syrup or allow it to caramelize. The outer rind is used as zest in certain cocktails or beverages, while even the small amount of juice can be extracted and consumed, although its flavor is quite potent. This fruit is also ideal for making jams and marmalades, and can even be pickled, a popular option in India. [5]

Medicine

Medicinally speaking, the essential oil is widely used in the treatment of both topical and internal problems; it is an antibiotic and is known to soothe the stomach and conditions of constipation and nausea, among many others.

Difference between Citron and Lemon

Citron is one of the original citrus fruits, whereas lemon is a hybrid, albeit an extremely popular one. Lemon tends to have a rather thin rind and a bitter, astringent taste, while citron has a very thick rind, a limited amount of juice, and a milder flavor than lemon.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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