What is a finger lime?
A finger lime is a native Australian citrus fruit shaped like a finger, filled with tiny juice vesicles that look like caviar. It is often called citrus caviar and is prized by chefs around the world.
Finger limes grow naturally in rainforests of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. The fruit is usually five to eight centimetres long.
When cut open, the pulp spills out as small pearls in colors ranging from green and yellow to pink and red. The pearls burst in the mouth, releasing a tangy lime flavor.
Gourmet ingredient
Finger limes are used to garnish oysters, seafood, salads, desserts and cocktails. They add both flavor and visual appeal.
Commercial production has increased, and finger limes are grown in Australia and exported to restaurants overseas. They have also been planted in the United States.
Aboriginal people have long eaten finger limes. Today, they are one of the most valuable native fruits per kilogram. The trees are thorny and grow as shrubs or small trees.
Finger lime trees are now sold by nurseries for home gardens in warm parts of Australia. The fruit ripens mainly in late summer and autumn, and growers have developed varieties with different pulp colors and stronger flavors for restaurant markets.