English, Shatkora (scientific name: Citrus macroptera) is most commonly known as the Melanesian Papeda or Wild Orange.
It is a unique citrus fruit primarily grown in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh and Northeast India. Here is a description:
Appearance and Taste:
The Fruit: It looks like a large, bumpy green lime or a small yellow grapefruit when ripe.
- The Inside: Unlike a lemon, it has very little juice. The thick rind (peel) and the white pith are the parts used in cooking.
- Flavor: It has a very distinct, intense aroma that is floral, citrusy, and slightly bitter. It adds a deep "tangy" and "zesty" flavor to curries.
2. Culinary Uses
With Beef/Mutton: "Beef Shatkora" is a world-famous Sylheti delicacy where the rind is slow-cooked with the meat until it becomes soft and absorbs all the spices.
- With Fish: It is often paired with small or medium-sized fish like Bata, Parshe, or Pabda. The acidity of the Shatkora cuts through the oiliness of the fish and removes any "fishy" smell.
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Pickles: It is also used to make spicy, sour pickles (Shatkora Achar).
3. Buying it in the US, UK, or EU:
If you are in the UK, USA, Canada, or the EU, you can find it in Bangladeshi grocery stores:
Fresh: Occasionally available in the produce section.
- Frozen: Most commonly sold in the freezer aisle, already sliced into wedges or rounds.
