English: Etrog (citron) growers anticipate a record season with an increase of sales both in the local and export markets.
Retrival of traditional observance among young Jews and Soviet olim here as well as improved methods of cultivation and distribution are expected to yeald close to IL1.5m of business locally and an export revenue of abot {dollar}500,000. This is the opinion of Avraham Ludmir, a veteran citrus grower and the leading etrog exporter in the country. The etrog is part of the Four species central celebration of Succot, and its sale starts immediately after Yom Kippur. Ludmir will tell you that a perfect etrog has a turret-shaped top, its pittum (flowered blossom at the top) and ik utz (the stem which is sunk in the broad base) are intact. The fruit's furrowed surface and bumps distinguish it from the ordinary lemon. Photo shows: Avraham Ludmir showing a perfect fruit of the etrog.