An esrog, also known as an etrog, is a yellow citron or Citrus medica used by Jews during the week-long holiday of Sukkot as one of the four species. Together with the lulav, hadass, and aravah, the esrog is taken in hand and held or waved during specific portions of the holiday prayers. The esrog must be perfect in stem and body for ritual purposes. Special care is often given to selecting an esrog for the performance of the Sukkot holiday rituals. The word "esrog" is the Ashkenazi Hebrew pronunciation of the Hebrew word "etrog". In Modern Hebrew, "etrog" is the name for any variety or form of citron, whether kosher for the ritual or not. The esrog has a secret gourmet life that it lives under its alias, the citron. When it’s living its citron-life, the esrog is a sought-after ingredient popular in the cuisine of many countries and regions.