Etrog After Sukkot

Hello, I'm not Jewish, but my best friend is, but can't answer this. What do you do with the etrog after sukkot?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

Since the Etrog is not considered to have any holiness, there are very few restrictions on how to use it after the holiday.

Although one should always show respect for an item that was used in the performance of a mitzva, Le'halacha one should first wrap it in something else before discarding it. However, due to the concept of “once something was used for a mitzva let it be used for another mitzva!” once should endeavour to use the Etrog, and the rest of the “Lulav Bundle” for some sort of mitzva. (OC 21:1, 665:8,9).

Regarding use of the Etrog after the holiday, many have the custom of poking the Etrog with cloves or other nice smelling spices to be used at the weekly Havdalla ceremony. Others make a jam out of the Etrog and eat in the course of a meal, preferably a meal associated with a mitzva. Some people candy the Etrog and eat it on Tu B’shvat, the holiday of fruits, or make from its peel an Etrog Liquor.

Regarding use of the other components of the Lulav Bundle after the holiday, Hagaon Harav Fried shelitah says that it is commendable to save the Lulav Bundel until Passover and burn it along with the Chametz on Erev Pesach.

Some have other customs as follows:

Some use the Haddassim as the spice item at the weekly Havdalla for as long as it continues to give off a good smell.

Some have the custom of keeping the bundle in their house since it is a segulah for protection.

Same too the Hoshanos from Hoshaneh Rabba is a segullah for protection and to be blessed with children (Chi'dah).