what to do with etrog after sukkot

After Sukkot, many people save the etrog instead of throwing it away, and common uses include composting it, making jam or marmalade, drying it for a Havdalah spice box, or planting the seeds. It’s also acceptable to discard it respectfully, often by wrapping it before putting it in the trash.

Common uses

• Compost it as plant food.

• Make etrog jam, marmalade, or preserves.

• Dry it and use it as a fragrant spice box for Havdalah, often with cloves.

• Save and plant the seeds if you want to try growing an etrog tree.

Respectful disposal

If you do not want to reuse it, you can discard the etrog, but Jewish sources recommend doing so with respect rather than casually tossing it out. Some communities also have the custom of keeping ritual items for another use, such as before Passover.

Practical note

If you want the simplest option, composting is easy and aligns with avoiding waste, while the Havdalah spice-box idea is the most traditional decorative reuse.

TL;DR: Use it, compost it, or discard it respectfully; the most popular after- Sukkot reuse is drying it with cloves for Havdalah.