After the hunt to find an etrog after Sukkot, it's no fun to just throw it away after the holiday. Practice the value of bal taschchit, not wasting needlessly, by reusing or transforming your etrog. Check out these easy ideas below:
Compost It
Turn your etrog into plant food by composting it. There are all different ways to compost fruit and vegetable scraps. One of the easiest is just by burying your old fruit in the ground. What's Jewish about composting? Check out this article, Compost Torah, from GrowTorah.
Create An Etrog Garland
Turn your etrog into decor for next year's sukkah. Slice and dry the etrog (air dry or low and slow in the oven is the way to go) then string the piece into a garland. Or, keep the etrog on hand for your next Havdalah -- simply cover the peel with cloves, like you would an orange, and enjoy the beautiful smell.
Make Etrog Jam
A photo of an orange and citrus jam. Did you know that an etrog can take the place of a lemon in several recipes?Preserve your harvest by making some fruit preserves -- you can add some etrog juice to bring a hint of citrus to strawberry, orange, or even apple preserves -- or use one of these recipes to make special etrog-centric jams and preserves:
Plant The Seeds
Did your family have tons of fun with last year's PJ Library microgreens gift? Save and dry out your etrog seeds and try planting them. Perhaps you'll even have your very own etrog tree in the future!
Make Candy
Did you know that the peels of many of your favorite fruits are actually edible? It's true! And citrus fruits, including etrogs, are no exception. And don't be intimidated - candied citrus recipes are wonderfully easy to make. Try one of these (and share your delicious photos on Instagram with #pjlibrary):
More
After Sukkot Is Over, Don't Discard That Etrog via Tablet
Ask The Expert: What Can I Do With An Etrog via My Jewish Learning
Etrog Recipes via The Nosher
July 28, 2021