Dried Buddha's Hand (Fo Shou/Finger Citron Fruit) | (500g)

About

Dried Buddha's Hand, known as Fo Shou, is a fragrant citrus fruit that grows in finger-like segments rather than forming a round fruit with flesh inside. It is almost all rind and pith, which is why it dries so well and holds its scent.

For anyone who uses Fo Shou regularly in cooking or herbal blends, this larger 500g option is the convenient bulk size. It suits home herbalists, cooks, and anyone making their own blends or sachets.

Traditionally used across East Asian herbal practice, Fo Shou is best known for its light citrus fragrance. The dried form stores easily and can be used throughout the year.

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Potential Benefits

• Aromatic: The bright citrus fragrance is the reason Fo Shou has been valued for centuries, and it survives drying better than most citrus.
• Traditional Heritage: It has a long history in East Asian herbal practice and in ceremonial and decorative use.
• Warming: In traditional classification it is described as warm and acrid.
• Distinctive Texture: The dried finger-like segments are unmistakable, and the fruit is almost entirely rind, so there is no pulp to work around.
• Versatile: It suits teas and infusions, soups, sauces and marinades, and works equally well as a household aromatic.

Recommended Dosage

We recommend around 10g per portion. Some ways to use it:

• To flavour teas and warm infusions after meals
• To add depth to soups, sauces or marinades
• As a natural aromatic in potpourri or drawers
• As part of a display, since the shape is a conversation piece in its own right

Keep sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Fo Shou is prized for its aroma, and that fades fastest when the fruit is left exposed to air. With a pack this size, decanting a working amount into a smaller jar keeps the bulk sealed for longer.

Other Formats of This Herb

Fo Shou is stocked in three forms:

• This 500g pack is the whole dried fruit in bulk
• Dried Buddha's Hand (Fo Shou) | 50g the same whole dried fruit in a smaller pack, good for trying it first
• Fo Shou Concentrated Granules | 100g bottle dissolves in hot water in seconds, though it cannot be used for potpourri or display

Other Citrus in the Range

Fo Shou is one of several dried citrus ingredients we stock, each with a different character:

• Dried Orange Peel (Chen Pi) | 500g the most widely used of the citrus group, sweeter and more mellow with age
• Dried Orange Rind (Ju Hong) | 500g the outer rind only, sharper and more pungent than Chen Pi

Why Choose Vita?

At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we are committed to providing top-quality herbs, carefully selected for the kitchen and for traditional preparation.

We take great pride in our 100% sulphur-free herb selection. Sulphur is widely used in the industry to improve appearance and extend shelf life, but it alters the natural composition of the herb and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. You can read more on our non-sulphur treated herbs page.

We offer only authentic DaoDi-grown Chinese herbs, from clean, sustainable environments. Our grower partnerships, established since 2010, let us source from the best growing regions, harvested at the right time.

FAQ

What does Buddha's Hand taste like?
Bright and citrus-forward with a slightly bitter edge, closer to zest than to juice. There is no pulp, so the flavour comes entirely from the rind.

How do I use it in cooking?
Simmer a piece in teas and infusions, or add it to soups, sauces and marinades where you want a citrus note that holds up to heat.

Can I use it for anything other than cooking?
Yes. It is commonly used as a household aromatic in potpourri or drawers, and the shape makes it popular for display.

Why is it shaped like that?
Buddha's Hand is a citron variety that grows in separate finger-like segments instead of forming a rounded fruit, which is where the English name comes from.

What is the difference between the 500g and 50g packs?
Only the quantity. Both are the same whole dried fruit, so the 50g pack is simply the smaller option.

How should I store it?
Sealed, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, to keep the aroma as long as possible.