Aussie shopper discovers 'intriguing' find in Coles' fruit aisle: 'Can I take it as a pet?'

It's not every day that a trip to the supermarket turns into an encounter with the extraordinary.

Imagine strolling through the aisles when you spot something that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi film rather than the produce department.

That's what happened to a shopper who found themselves face-to-face with a fruit so bizarre it stopped them in their tracks.


One fruit stood out among a bunch of lemons and seemed to defy nature.

With its gnarled, finger-like projections, it looked more like a mystical hand reaching out from another realm than something you'd slice into your afternoon tea.

It was priced and labelled as just another fruit, but this was no ordinary lemon.

The shopper, bewildered by the sight, took to social media to share their find: 'Sorry Coles, but what is this?'


compressed-buddhas hand.jpeg
The Buddha's Hand is a citrus fruit sought after its zesty flavour. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Peera Stock Foto


The fruit's peculiar appearance sparked a wave of reactions, ranging from confusion to amusement.

Some commenters were left scratching their heads, while others made light-hearted jokes about the fruit's otherworldly look.


Amidst the online chatter, a name emerged: 'Buddha's hand'.

Curiosity piqued, the shopper researched and discovered that this 'beautifully terrifying' fruit was indeed known as Buddha's hand—its scientific name is Citrus medica var. Sarcodactylis.

This name, which has Greek roots, translates to 'fleshy finger,' a fitting description of the fruit's unique form.

Originating from the lower Himalayas and China, the Buddha's hand is a citrus fruit that's as intriguing as rare.

Its 'fingers' can vary in number, sometimes resembling two hands in prayer, other times splayed out like an octopus tentacle.

However, don't let its appearance fool you; this fruit is not a refreshing snack like its other citrusy cousins.


The Buddha's hand is mostly rind and pith, with little juice or pulp.

It's prized for its zest, which can add a burst of flavour to a variety of dishes, desserts, and drinks.

Its aromatic qualities also freshen up a room, making it a multipurpose addition to any household.

So, if you ever find yourself at Coles or any other supermarket and come across a fruit that looks like it might scuttle off the shelf, don't be alarmed.

The Buddha's hand reminds us that nature has a sense of humour and that sometimes, the most peculiar things can bring a touch of wonder into our lives.
Key Takeaways

  • An Australian shopper at Coles found a weird-looking fruit resembling a hand among the lemons.
  • The fruit was identified as Buddha's hand, a type of citrus with a name inspired by its finger-like sections.
  • Buddha's hand is mainly used for its zest, as it lacks juice and pulp commonly found in other citrus fruits.
  • The discovery of the odd fruit sparked curiosity and humour among social media users.
Have you ever encountered an unusual fruit or vegetable in your local supermarket? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
 
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I just hv problems finding the right potatoes in supermarkets. WHY do Coles/Woolworths fail to identify, i e NAME, potato varieties?!
Instead of buying a plastic bag titled MASH, we should teach everyone which potatoes to the best job for which style of use.
Ppl used to know a Desiree, from a Kipfler, King Edwards, Golden, Senato etc! We were shown in school, or mum & dad grew them at home.
We should know these simple things about our own foods, how to
Grow, use, prepare ……. Knowledge us yummy!
 
I just hv problems finding the right potatoes in supermarkets. WHY do Coles/Woolworths fail to identify, i e NAME, potato varieties?!
Instead of buying a plastic bag titled MASH, we should teach everyone which potatoes to the best job for which style of use.
Ppl used to know a Desiree, from a Kipfler, King Edwards, Golden, Senato etc! We were shown in school, or mum & dad grew them at home.
We should know these simple things about our own foods, how to
Grow, use, prepare ……. Knowledge us yummy!
Totally agree, so sick of sh..t potatoes.
Years ago they used to sell Coliban potatoes. They made the best ever chips and baked potatoes.
You can't seem to get them anymore. Time and again, on cooking shows, they will suggest them. Where are they???
Even the Spud Shed doesn't have any .
 
The bags should include the name/variety of the potato and what it is good for eg: mash, baking, frying etc.
The Coles brand bags do, they are really versatile! They will be good for everything you mentioned and then some AND, surprise surprise, within 3 days they become rubber balls. Isn't that fantastic!!!

No sarcasm here just fun.
 
Totally agree, so sick of sh..t potatoes.
Years ago they used to sell Coliban potatoes. They made the best ever chips and baked potatoes.
You can't seem to get them anymore. Time and again, on cooking shows, they will suggest them. Where are they???
Even the Spud Shed doesn't have any .
You are not wrong! Some potatoes I bought earlier in the year (pre Perth) were perfect on the outside, but when peeled, told a different story. Start cutting the potatoes into chips or slices and you are met with a road map of miniature tunnels bored by some unknown parasite.
 
What happened to the spuds we had years back when only one type of potato was available and they were used for everything, chips, mash, roast, bubble and squeak. Oh those were the days, and cheap too.
 
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