Information about Fingerlimes
Fingerlimes are native to the rainforests of South East QLD and Northern NSW.
Traditionally eaten for thousands of years by Indigenous Australians and now commercially grown for the Native Food Industry. Natural habitat of the Fingerlime has been taken over by clearing of land for farms and housing.
They come in variations of size, colours and flavours. A typical fingerlime grows up to 12 cm long. The pulp vesicles come in fruit segments and look like caviar.
The Fingerlime pearls (or caviar) are in high demand in the food industry and are used throughout Australia and are very popular globally now with export well over 50% of Australian harvest. Various cultivars are grown for colour, taste and shape as well as improving tolerance to a range of soil, disease, pest and climate changes.
Applications include: Food and Beverage, as a garnish, in pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical products.
Variety of skin colours range from yellow-green, green, black, crimson, maroon/brown, purple, red pink. Inside the fruit pearls can be various shades of green, pink, wine-red, purple, emerald and vibrant green.
Inside amongst the pearls, seeds can be found and amount of them can depend upon the variety.
Aromas and flavours can be described as fresh zesty citrus of lemon and lime, tart, citrus, grapefruit, Tahitian Lime, acid with sharp tang, lime with floral notes, astringent and bitter.
FRUITING SEASON FOR VARIETIES OF FINGERLIMES
March to May - Alstonville, Byron Sunrise, Chocolate Limonet, Crimson Tide, Green Crystal, Green Orb, Green Sapphire, Bali Red, Judy Overbearing, Little Beauty, Moon Drops, New Yellow, Pink Ice, Red Ruby Wauchope, and Yellow.
January to May - Chartreuse Green, Tasty Green and Red Champagne.
February to April - Emma.
April to May - Green Giant.
April to June - Rick's Red, Rosa Ice and Sunshine Yellow.
January to May - Red Champagne and Chartreuse Green
FLAVOUR PROFILES:
Mild citrus, low to high acidity, subtle lemon taste, Grapefruit-like taste, Aromatic mild lemon taste, mild and sweet, lime taste, sweet subtle lemon taste, balanced acidity and sweetness.
NUTRITION:
Fingerlimes are rich in folate, Vitamin E (an important anti-oxidant), potassium and high in Vitamin C.