What are Finger Limes? And how are they used?

A Brief History of Finger Limes

Australian Native Finger Limes (Citrus Australasica) are endemic to Australia, though are cultivated in other countries. They originate in the rainforests of the border ranges of SE Queensland and Northern NSW. It is thought that for at least 60,000 years, First Peoples living along the east coast of Australia have been eating finger limes and using them for medicinal purposes such as to heal cuts and wounds. (Source - Citrus australasica - Wikipedia)

At the time of writing, Glen Oaks Farm is the southernmost, (NSW east coast) commercial grower of finger limes, which brings with it associated climatic challenges.

The fruit are sought after for their unique pulp and variety of colours, which vary between crimson, yellow, green and pale pink. The pulp, or pearls / caviar as they are often referred to, pop with a refreshing citrus (lime) flavour and are a wonderful companion to a range of food such as seafood – oysters; salads; cold desserts; a garnish to drinks and smoothies and pairs well with cheese, yogurt and ice cream. See below some recipe suggestions.

Trees are extremely thorny growing in excess of two metres in height. White spring (October) flowers are followed by slow-growing fruit which vary in size from 3cm to 12cm depending upon the cultivar and are ready for harvest from late March.

Finger limes can be grown in pots but prefer being planted in the ground as they have a very deep root systems so need space to grow and thrive.

Nutritional Benefits

·      Finger limes are rich in Vitamin C – 3 times the amount found in mandarins,

·      Vitamins B & E,

·      Folate,

·      Potassium,

·      Beta-carotene,

·      Vitamin A antioxidants, and

·      Polyphenols – an antioxidant that plays an important role in preventing/reversing cell damage.

Storage

Once harvested, finger limes have a 4 – 5-week shelf-life when stored in a fridge or cool room.

Care needs to be taken to prevent chilling injury, so fruit should not be stored below 8° C.

Interesting Facts

• A tree grown from seed will take up to 15 years to mature.

• A mature tree will yield up to 20kg of fruit.

• The fruit is used within the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and distillery industries.