General Information
Finger Limes range in size from 1-3 inches long and are about 3/4″ in circumference; a micro-citrus originally discovered growing wild in Australia and introduced for growing in California. The aromatic outside skin is a triad of colors – mostly brown with green tinges on smooth skin. Inside, the juice vesicles are 3mm in size and light green in color; when removed from the skin, they look like caviar. Generally seedless but odd seeds do occur.
The flavor is a lemon-lime combination with herbaceous undertones. Imagine eating a citrus pop-rock! These are great compliments to seafood or any other application where one would use a citrus accent.
History
Finger limes are native to Australia, specifically to the rainforests of the border ranges of Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales. The Finger lime has been used by the Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Finger lime was received from New Wales, Australia as budwood by Dr. Joe Furr in 1965. He donated them to the University of California, Riverside in 1966. Finger lime trees prefer sheltered rainforest or sub-rainforest habitats for prolific growing. Overexposure to full sun will cause the trees stress, thus producing poor fruit yields. Though common in Australia, their global presence is still obscure.
