Buddha Hand Marmalade – What a Special Treat!

I was recently at Whole Foods and noticed they had Buddha Hand’s in stock.  This exotic fruit is very interesting in that there is no fruit – just the peel!  Buddha Hand is used in Asia as a natural air freshener.  So, with the purchase of one, I am off to make Buddha Hand Marmalade!!

Buddha Hand Marmalade

peel (zest) of one Buddha Hand, finely chopped (don’t worry about the pith, it isn’t as bitter as from an orange or lemon – that said, don’t use the whole thing).

3 cardamom pods, light crushed

2 T balsamic syrup reduction

3 c sugar

1 c fresh squeezed orange juice

1/3 c honey (try to use raw)

4 c water

In a medium pot, heat the water, sugar, honey, orange juice, Buddha Hand zest, and cardamom to a light boil until you reach a temperature of 218 degrees F at sea level (watch the pot – it can boil over!).  Stir just enough to combine the sugar and honey and so it doesn’t burn.

When temperature of 218 degrees F is reached, add the balsamic reduction and continue heating to 225.  The whole cooking process shouldn’t take more than about 1 hour.   Remove the cardamom pods.   Pour into clean jelly jars and seal according to canning instructions.  Should make approximately 4 jars.