How to Buy and Use Finger Limes

Australian finger limes (aka citrus australasica) are one particular of the silliest styles of citrus fruit—and we suggest that in the ideal way achievable. They resemble small, stubby fingers and bear the nickname “caviar limes.” Finger limes are a sort of small citrus fruit—a microcitrus actually—that are native to Australia (especially the coastal area of Queensland and New South Wales). Their identify will come from the point that they are about the size and shape of a finger (they max out at all-around 3 inches in size), and both the peel and the pulp appear in a rainbow of colors. The pulp (much more appropriately known as juice vesicles) of most citrus fruit appears to be like elongated teardrops, but finger lime’s vesicles are tiny tiny balls—a tart, fruit “caviar” that retains its form right up until the beads burst in your mouth (in situation their diminutive sizing and large range of colours weren’t sufficient entertaining for you).

Glimpse for finger limes at specialty grocery stores—in some areas of California, you could be equipped to find finger limes at your farmers’ sector. So how do you go about deciding upon the brightest, juiciest types? Find finger limes with brightly-colored skin. Little brown patches won’t influence the taste, but steer distinct of specimens with dull, dry, shriveled pores and skin (they are earlier their prime). Like any other citrus fruit, shop finger limes in the fridge, wrapped in plastic for a pair of months. If you really do not have any luck obtaining them domestically, you can usually get them on the internet. Much better nevertheless, increase your very own with the Via Citrus Finger Lime Tree from our shop. Every tree ships right from Florida and features obvious treatment guidance so even newbie gardeners can expand gorgeous finger limes (assuming that you have a shiny, sunny spot where by the plant can prosper).

Cut your finger limes in 50 %, and squeeze up from the base to launch the pulp—anywhere you’d use a squeeze of lime juice, truly feel cost-free to substitute a little quantity of pulp. 

Garnish with Abandon

Finger limes are amazing, but how just can you cook with them? Do you just treat them the same as frequent limes or essential limes? Form of, of course! Leading oysters, scallops, or sushi (any seafood seriously) with finger lime pulp—aka the minimal beads that resemble caviar within the lime. Treat your vegetarian buddies to nigiri sushi with avocado or papaya and a prosper of finger lime pulp. Consider cocktails to the next stage consider them in a finger lime mojito or an elderflower gin fizz, or even a fundamental gin and tonic. Their sour taste will be appreciated by everyone who does not really like a super sweet cocktail.

Elevate a Salad

Best off a fruit salad with a sprinkling of finger lime pulp—just leave out any other citrus to allow the finger limes be the star of the clearly show. Or attempt them in a extravagant fruit pairing, with persimmons and ginger or watermelon and whipped feta. Delight in them in a savory salad much too, or change citrus juice in a vinaigrette with finger lime pulp for a burst of taste with each chunk.

Give Your Desserts Some Flair
Finger lime pulp can be applied in a citrus curd or suspended in a cheesecake. Or, check out finger limes in cookies, ice product, or on top rated of product puffs.  It’s not the flavor or texture that most people today will be expecting from a lime dessert, which will make it so considerably far more exciting to serve to company.

Allow us know your most loved ways to use finger limes (or how you would like to test applying them) in the reviews!

This posting was updated in April 2022 by our editors.