A simple lemon pickle where the lemon is in perfect harmony with salt and a few birds eye chillies have always been the house favorite of all pickles throughout my life.
While having the lemon pickle with “kanji ” (Congee) and “payar thoran,” very often I have heard my dad talk about the pickle with “odichukutthi naranga” made by my grandmother. I couldn’t much relate to it coz I hardly ever figured out till recently it was citron.
Citron or wild lemon
Citrus medica, odichukkutyhi naranga, narthangai, heralekai or citron is a huge variety in citrus family. It is otherwise called wild lemon. This is a larger lemon variety with a smaller core and a bit thicker pith. The leaves are larger and broader than normal lemon too.
Citron was associated with the hanging gardens of Babylon and has a large historical significance . It has been used in perfumes due to the freshness and the larger quantities of easily available essential oil or has been candied.
- Citron is of course is a good source of vitamin C and provides protection to gums and teeth.
- Its excellent pain relieving property can relieve headaches
- It’s is definitely is anti inflammatory in nature.
- Being citrusy and providing cleansing to the gums it avoids bad breath to a large extent.
- Be aware that it is stringently acidic and too much too much can cause gastritis or acid reflux . Also please do not apply the juice directly on the gums and teeth as it can erode the enamel on prolonged use.
To the pickle
The flavour of this pickle is a bit more sharper than the regular lemon or lime. And the rind when soaked and ready is so soft and really juicy.
I do know that there so also a version of this pickle made by steaming the whole lemon. May be will attempt that another time when I catch some more citron.
For now… Enjoy the recipe.
Some more easy non oily pickle recipes are as follows.
Non oily citron pickle
Ingredients
- 2-3 medium citron
- 2-3 Green chillies birds eye chilli preffered
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger root finely chopped
- 2-3 tbsp Sea salt cystalline
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder organic
Instructions
- Wash clean, pat dry and slit the chillies
- Peel and clean the ginger root. Chop into small pieces
- Wash the citron and dry them by wiping with a clean towel. Cut it into medium bite sized pieces. Remove the seeds and place in a mixing bowl
- Add salt, turmeric powder, slit green chilly, and chopped ginger and mix well.
- Transfer into a clean airtight glass bottle with no moisture.
- Shake well to combine. Keep it outside for 3-4 days. Shake the bottle well to mix the juices. By that time, citron will absorb all the salt and it tastes great.
- For further usage, storage use the refrigerator
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
I love lemon pickle..and this looks yumm
My husband eats only this pickle and I add lot of green chilies to it.
This pickle tastes good with curd rice. Simple and mild flavours.
This Lemon pickle sounds awesome, I never knew that pickle can be made without oil. I have been avoiding pickle just because of this “Oil” reason. Thanks for introducing me this version, may be I should try and share this with my mom as well.
Ages i prepared this oil free lemon pickle, just love this pickle with a bowl of rice porridge, my fav.
This is an interesting recipe Seema. Citron looks so similar to the malimau we get here in Mombasa. A simple and yet a tasty pickle, worth trying.
Such a simple and healthy version of citron pickle, homemade stuff are always the best ever lovely share
I never knew pickle can be prepared without oil. Your recipe looks simple and healthy with few ingredients.
I always wish I could make pickles but I somehow can’t. This pickle is so unique and easy I may just start with this recipe.
Yum…I make a similar version of this…love no oil pickles…one can relish guilt free
Citron pickle is new to me. I like trying the new variety of pickles and I am definitely going to try this
I love lemon pickle with khichdi! This one has so few ingredients and still looks so delicious. A totally new kind of pickle to try for me, minus oil.
Mouthwatering pickle!! Perfect accompaniment to any meal 🙂
Pickle without oil sounds interesting… the procedure looks easy and pickle looks yum
lemon pickle so delicious and mouthwatering. Imagining myself having it with rice pulao. OMG literally loving it…
A simple and unique version of lime pickle. I can very well imagine the taste😊 Good thing is that it is oil free and made with very few ingredients… nothing distracting the main flavor. Will try this for sure. Thanks for the share!!!
Although I am not an ardent fan of pickle, I don’t mind having this one as it is oil-free and without the overpowering taste. Best with paratha?
Interesting one, I make the lemon pickle regularly, should try this one sometime. Nice share.