What are the health benefits of citron?

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

Over centuries, traditional medicine systems in Asia and the Mediterranean have utilized citron, an ancient citrus fruit, for its numerous health-enhancing properties. Unlike more common citrus varieties, citron is primarily known for its thick, aromatic rind, which is rich in bioactive compounds that contribute to its impressive nutritional profile and myriad health benefits.

Quick Summary

This article details the health benefits of citron, highlighting its rich content of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. It covers how this ancient citrus supports immune function, aids digestion, decreases inflammation, and promotes cardiovascular health. The content also provides practical ways to incorporate this unique fruit into a wellness-focused diet.

Key Points

Rich in Antioxidants: Citron's thick rind is a potent source of flavonoids and vitamin C that combat oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Supports Immune Function: High vitamin C content boosts the immune system and increases white blood cell production to fight off infections.
Aids Digestive Health: The fruit's pectin-rich fiber promotes satiety, improves digestion, and nurtures a healthy gut microbiome.
Promotes Heart Health: Citron contains potassium and antioxidants that help regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels, reducing heart disease risk.
Reduces Inflammation: Bioactive compounds like limonene and flavonoids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body.
Versatile Culinary Uses: The rind is used to make candied fruits, jams, and teas, allowing for diverse ways to consume its health benefits.
Historically Significant: Citron has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, from seasickness to digestive issues.

A Treasure Trove of Antioxidants and Nutrients

Citron is a nutritional powerhouse, with its thick rind being the most valuable part, containing a high concentration of beneficial plant compounds. These include flavonoids like hesperidin and naringenin, and essential oils such as limonene and citral, all of which possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants are vital for protecting the body's cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals, a process linked to numerous chronic diseases.

Beyond antioxidants, citron offers a rich profile of essential nutrients, with some varieties containing up to three times more vitamin C than lemons. This high vitamin C content is crucial for immune system support and skin health, as it aids in collagen production. Other key nutrients found in citron include dietary fiber (specifically pectin), potassium, and various B vitamins, contributing to a holistic approach to wellness.

Immune System Support and Digestive Health

Citron’s high vitamin C and antioxidant content make it a powerful ally for boosting the immune system. Consuming citron can increase the production of white blood cells, which are critical for the body's defense against infections and disease. In traditional medicine, it has also been used to alleviate symptoms of coughs and colds.

For digestive health, citron offers significant benefits primarily from its rich fiber content, especially pectin in the rind. This soluble fiber promotes satiety and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthier gut microbiome. Historically, citron was used to treat digestive ailments such as nausea, indigestion, and bloating.

Potential Digestive Benefits

Aids Digestion: Natural acidity can stimulate digestive enzyme production.
Relieves Bloating and Gas: Traditional remedies use citron to soothe common digestive discomforts.
Supports Gut Microbiome: Pectin acts as a prebiotic, nourishing good gut bacteria.

Cardioprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is a leading cause of many serious diseases, including heart disease and cancer. The flavonoids and antioxidants in citron help combat this inflammation, protecting the body's tissues. Furthermore, citron supports heart health in several ways:

Lowering Blood Pressure: The fruit is rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Reducing Cholesterol: Pectin and other compounds can help lower blood cholesterol levels.
Protecting Arteries: Antioxidants like hesperidin strengthen blood vessels and can prevent atherosclerosis.

Animal studies have specifically highlighted the anti-inflammatory effects of citron extracts, showing reductions in colitis symptoms. While more human research is needed, the existing evidence points to its potential therapeutic use for various inflammatory conditions.

Practical Ways to Enjoy Citron

Unlike juicy oranges or lemons, citron’s value lies in its fragrant, thick rind, which is used in many culinary and medicinal applications.

Honey Citron Tea: A popular Korean remedy for colds and sore throats, made by preserving sliced citron in sugar and honey.
Candied Citron: The rind is candied into a sweet treat called succade, used in baking, fruitcakes, and desserts.
Marmalades and Jams: The aromatic rind is perfect for making flavorful marmalades and jams.
Pickles: In some parts of Asia, citron is pickled and used as a condiment.

Citron vs. Other Common Citrus Fruits

To better appreciate citron's unique profile, comparing it to a common relative like lemon is helpful.


Feature	Citron	Lemon
Rind Thickness	Very thick and bumpy	Thin and smooth
Pulp Juice Content	Dry, with little to no juice	Very juicy
Primary Use	Rind, for candying, jams, and tea	Pulp and juice, for cooking and drinks
Flavor	Aromatic and fragrant, milder than lemon	Pungently sour and astringent
Vitamin C Content	Some varieties have significantly more vitamin C per 100g	High in vitamin C
Fiber Source	Pectin-rich rind is the primary source	Fiber is in both pulp and pith

Conclusion: A Nutritious and Versatile Fruit

Citron, with its unique composition and rich history in traditional medicine, offers a wide range of significant health benefits. From its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power to its positive effects on the immune and digestive systems, this ancient fruit is more than just a culinary curiosity. By incorporating citron, particularly its nutrient-dense rind, into your diet through teas, jams, or candied preparations, you can tap into its impressive health-promoting properties. While less common than its citrus relatives, the potential wellness advantages of citron make it a worthy addition to a balanced and health-conscious lifestyle.

Potential Uses in Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine systems have long recognized citron's medicinal properties. In Ayurvedic practices, it is used as a cardiac tonic and for treating various gastrointestinal issues. Chinese and Southeast Asian traditions have employed it for intestinal ailments and respiratory issues. The antimicrobial effects of its essential oil have also been valued for centuries.

In ancient times, it was used to combat seasickness and pulmonary issues.
Indian folk medicine utilized the peel for dysentery and to treat bad breath.
Chinese medicine used candied peel as a tonic and expectorant.
West Tropical Africa used it to treat rheumatism.
South American remedies used the seeds as an antidote for poison.

The Future of Citron Research

Ongoing research continues to investigate the potential health benefits of citron and its bioactive compounds. Studies are exploring its effects on diabetes, cancer prevention, and metabolic health. While promising, further clinical trials are necessary to fully understand and confirm the extent of its therapeutic applications in modern medicine.

Cancer Research: Limonoids in citron peels show anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells in lab tests.
Metabolic Health: Preliminary studies suggest citron peel may help regulate blood sugar and improve lipid profiles.
Antimicrobial Properties: Further studies are ongoing to understand its full potential against pathogenic microorganisms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike lemons and oranges, the primary edible part of the citron is its thick, fragrant rind, not the pulp. The rind is often candied or used to make jams and teas, as the pulp is quite dry and less juicy.

Citron is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are crucial for immune function. One popular method is to make honey citron tea (yuja-cheong) by preserving sliced citron in sugar and honey and then mixing it with hot water, especially during cold season.

Yes, citron supports digestive health. The rind contains a high amount of soluble fiber called pectin, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. It has also been traditionally used to relieve indigestion, bloating, and nausea.

Yes, citron can support weight management. It is low in calories, and the high fiber content, particularly the pectin in the rind, helps you feel full for longer, which can reduce snacking and overall calorie intake.

While generally safe, citron's acidity can be a concern for individuals with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs, as excessive consumption may cause irritation. It is also recommended to consult a healthcare provider before using high doses of citron extracts or essential oils, especially during pregnancy or if taking certain medications.

Citron is one of the original citrus fruits from which lemons were hybridized. Citron has a much thicker rind, a drier pulp, and a milder flavor, while lemons have a thinner rind, are juicier, and have a more intensely sour taste.

Yes, citron contains powerful bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and limonoids, that have shown significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have demonstrated these properties, suggesting benefits for reducing inflammation throughout the body.