Description
The fruit of a rare rainforest tree, the Finger Lime has been an important source of food for Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The fruit was eaten for its delicious taste and its ability to ward off disease. The pulp and juice of Finger Limes were also applied as an antiseptic to infected sores and boils.
Yet when European settlers cleared the land for farming, much of this unique fruit was destroyed. Fortunately, several isolated pockets of sub-tropical rainforest on private land and in national parks continued to grow the Finger Lime and are responsible for the survival and commercial availability of the trees today.
The mature fruit comes in a wide range of colours including green, yellow, purple, pink and bright red. The beautiful pulp of the fruit is revealed in all its glory when sliced open: ‘caviar like’ pearls cascade outwards, filled with lemon-lime juice. Whilst only a small fruit, the nutritional power of the Finger Lime is not to be underestimated. Bursting with zesty flavour, it is rich in folate, potassium and Vitamin E and contains three times the Vitamin C found in mandarines. The level of Vitamin E is exceptionally high in the pink Finger Lime. Vitamin E is one of the most important antioxidants in human cell protection and disease prevention.
With a delicious aroma of fresh zesty citrus, the taste of the Finger Lime is tart with some astringency and bitterness.
Health Benefits
• Bursting with zesty flavour, Finger Limes are rich in folate, potassium and Vitamin E.
• Each Finger Lime contains three times the Vitamin C found in a mandarin.
• The level of Vitamin E is exceptionally high in the pink Finger Lime. Vitamin E is one of the most important antioxidants in human cell protection and disease prevention.
Taste and Smell
With a delicious aroma of fresh, zesty citrus and a hint of cooked apples, the taste of the Finger Lime is tart with some astringency and bitterness. The pulp contains juice vesicles that resemble caviar. These caviar-like pearls make Finger Lime a popular garnish, while its taste is gaining popularity with chefs throughout Australia.
Food Uses
With its refreshing citrus lime flavour, Finger Lime can also be used in dressings, jams and sauces, cordials and cocktails. It can substitute for ordinary lemon or lime, wherever they are used.