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Finger lime: what lemon caviar is and how to use it
A finger-shaped citrus full of tiny pearls that pop in your mouth. What finger lime is, what it tastes like, how to open it, how to use it in the kitchen – and how to grow it.
What is finger lime
Finger lime (Citrus australasica) is a citrus fruit native to the rainforests of eastern Australia. The fruit is long and slim, just like a finger, and instead of segments it is filled with hundreds of tiny round vesicles that look like caviar. That’s why it’s also called lemon caviar or citrus caviar.
It’s one of the most prized and expensive citrus fruits in the world – and it grows really well in our countryside near Cefalù. In the video we open one and taste it.
Watch more on our YouTube channel.
What it tastes like
The pearls pop between your teeth and release a fresh, tart juice, somewhere between lime and grapefruit, with slightly herbal notes. There are varieties with green, yellow, pink or red pulp: the paler ones are more sour, the red ones a little sweeter.
How to open it
- Cut the fruit in half crosswise, or score just the skin lengthwise.
- Gently squeeze from the base towards the cut.
- The pearls come out whole by themselves. Use them straight away.
How to use it in the kitchen
- Raw fish, oysters and seafood: the classic. The pearls replace a squeeze of lemon.
- Sushi, tartare and carpaccio: freshness and a beautiful look.
- Salads and avocado: a surprising hit of acidity.
- Cocktails and tonic: instead of a lime wedge.
- Desserts: on panna cotta, cheesecake or vanilla ice cream.
How to store it
In the fridge, in a closed container, finger lime usually keeps for two to three weeks. The pearls can also be frozen.
Growing finger lime
It’s a thorny, rather slow-growing shrub that also does well in a pot. Our tips:
- Position: bright, with morning sun and some shade in the hottest hours.
- Soil: well-drained and slightly acidic, as for other citrus.
- Water: regular, without waterlogging.
- Cold: it tolerates short cool spells but needs protecting from frost.
- Mind the thorns when picking.
Finger lime is just one of the exotic fruits in our countryside: discover the others in our article on exotic fruit in Sicily.
See it for yourself
Pick fruit in the Kalura countryside
- In the Madonie Park, near Cefalù
- Fruit, vegetable garden and animals
- Exclusive to Hotel Kalura guests
Frequently asked questions
What is lemon caviar?
It’s finger lime, a finger-shaped Australian citrus. Inside are tiny pearls of pulp that look like caviar.
How do you eat finger lime?
Cut it in half and squeeze gently: the pearls come out whole and are used raw on fish, oysters, salads, cocktails or desserts.
How long does finger lime last in the fridge?
Usually two to three weeks in a closed container. The pearls can also be frozen.
Can you grow finger lime in Europe?
Yes – in mild climates like Sicily even in the ground, elsewhere in a pot, protected from frost in winter.
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