Citron / Ottroja:

The Citron / Ottroja fruit has a wonderful taste and amazing health benefits.

 The Ottroja fruit is one of the famous and beloved fruits in many cultures around the world.

 It is characterized by its beautiful orange color and distinctive sweet and tangy flavor. It is not just a delicious fruit, but it also carries incredible health benefits.

 In this article, we will explore the health benefits of the Ottroja fruit and its usage in cooking and nutrition.

Origin of Ottroja:

The exact origin of Ottroja is unknown, but it is believed to be from India or Southeast Asia.

Ottroja is one of the oldest citrus fruits, from which other citrus fruits have evolved. It was extensively cultivated in northern Iran in the 19th century, and it was introduced to Europe by ancient traders and travelers..

 Ottroja is also known as Etrog in Hebrew and is used in Jewish religious ceremonies..

Ottroja and Other Citrus Fruits:

Ottroja has a close relationship with the citrus family, as it is a hybrid of lemon, lime, sour orange, bergamot, pomelo, and grapefruit.

These hybrids resulted from crossing Ottroja with other citrus varieties, such as yuzu and kumquat..

 These hybrids differ in size, shape, color, taste, and aroma, but they retain some of the characteristics of Ottroja, such as its thick and aromatic peel.

Uses of Ottroja:

• Ottroja is used in modern medicine as an appetite stimulant, digestive aid, digestive tonic, antiseptic, antiviral, bacteria killer, and fever reducer. It is used as an antibiotic for colds, flu, fever, chest infections, strengthens the immune system, and helps regulate blood pressure.
•  Ottroja was used in ancient medicine as an antidote for poisons, snake and scorpion bites, treatment for vitiligo and melasma, a cooling agent for stomach and liver heat, a suppressor for jaundice and palpitations, beneficial for jaundice and diarrhea, and a thirst quencher.
• Ottroja is used in cosmetics as a natural exfoliant for the skin, facial cleanser, hair conditioner, and odor remover.

• Ottroja is used at home as an insect repellent, in fabric fresheners, and for garden decoration.

Benefits of Ottroja:

1. Boosts immune system function: Due to its rich vitamins and minerals, Ottroja fruit contains a variety of essential nutrients for the body's health, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and calcium. These nutrients help boost the immune system, strengthen bones, and promote healthy skin.
2. ​Cancer Prevention: One of the benefits of Ottroja fruit is its potential effectiveness in preventing cancer. Due to its content of antioxidants, Ottroja fruit is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can prevent oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
3. Improves heart health: Thanks to its antioxidants, fiber, and potassium content, Ottroja fruit is beneficial for heart health. It helps lower blood pressure and reduce harmful cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart and cardiovascular diseases..
4.  Enhances digestive health: Ottroja juice helps balance the acidity levels in the digestive tract. It is a rich source of dietary fiber, which plays a vital role in improving digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. Consuming fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart diseases.
5. Improved respiratory health: Ottroja fruit is known for its expectorant properties, which can help alleviate respiratory issues such as coughs, congestion, and bronchitis. The natural compounds in Ottroja fruit help loosen mucus and phlegm, making it easier to clear the airways and breathe more comfortably..
   
6. Improves Skin health: The high vitamin C content in Ottroja fruit contributes to healthy and glowing skin. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for collagen production, which helps maintain the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Additionally, the antioxidants in Ottroja fruit protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, helping to slow down the aging process..
7. Improves Bone health: Ottroja fruit contains calcium, a crucial mineral for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Adequate calcium intake is essential for preventing conditions like osteoporosis and promoting bone density. Including Ottroja fruit in your diet can contribute to overall bone health and reduce the risk of fractures and bone-related disorders..
   

Side Effects of Ottroja:

1. Ottroja may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, manifesting as itching and dryness of the skin.
2. Ottroja is high in sugars, so it should be consumed with caution and in moderation, especially for patients with diabetes and obesity.
3. Ottroja may interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants or drugs that affect potassium levels in the blood. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming it if you are taking any of these medications.

Uses of Ottroja in Cooking:

• Consuming it as a fresh fruit: Ottroja fruit can be eaten directly as a fresh fruit by peeling it and eating it as it is. It is ripe when its peel is orange in color..
•  Using it in salads and beverages: Ottroja fruit can be sliced and added to salads to add a refreshing and acidic flavor.
•  Making Ottroja juice or adding it to juices to enhance the taste and health benefits.
  

Ottroja Jam:

Steps for making Ottroja jam:

1. Wash the Ottroja thoroughly and peel it carefully. Then, cut the peel into thin slices and place them in a large bowl.
2. Add enough cold water to the bowl to fully cover the peel. Place it over medium heat and let it boil for 15 minutes.
3.  Strain the peel from the water and keep it in another bowl. Then, add sugar to the water, using one kilogram of sugar for every kilogram of peel, and the juice of one lemon..
4.  Mix the mixture well until the sugar dissolves. Then, place it over medium heat and let it boil with constant stirring until a thick and sticky syrup forms.
5. Add the strained peel to the syrup and mix it well. Then, let it simmer over low heat for 20 minutes or until the peel becomes tender and translucent.
6.  Pour the jam into sterilized and tightly sealed jars, then let them cool completely before storing them in a cool, dry place.
7. Ottroja jam can be enjoyed with bread, biscuits, or cake. It can also be used as a filling for pies or croissants, or added to yogurt or ice cream for a tangy and refreshing flavor.