Citron, << SIHT ruhn, >> is a large, usually sour fruit much like the lemon. It ranks among the largest citrus fruits. The citron tree grows wild in northeastern India. It is also grown commercially in Corsica, Greece, Israel, and southern Italy, and the fruit is exported to other countries. The thorny citron tree has leaves that range from 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 centimeters) in length. The edges of the leaves are slightly toothed.
The fruit is 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) long, or longer, and shaped like an egg. It has a thick, firm rind (peel) that is preserved and candied for use in cakes, puddings, and candies. The rind also furnishes fragrant oils. The etrog, a variety of citron with small fruits, is grown for use in a Jewish ceremony called the Feast of the Tabernacles.
