Red Finger Limes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Red Finger limes are small in size, averaging 6-12 centimeters in length, and are oblong, slender, and elongated in shape with slight tapering at both ends. The thin skin is semi-smooth with a leathery, pebbled texture, and can range in color from purple, red, green-brown, to black. The flesh contains many small vesicles, also known as pearls, crystals, or globular pulp, and these vesicles are non-attached, firm, juicy, pink to red, and burst with a tart flavor when consumed. Red Finger limes are aromatic with a fresh, minty scent and have an astringent, bright, and slightly sour flavor with herbaceous undertones.
Seasons/Availability
Red Finger limes are available year-round, with a peak season in the fall through winter.
Current Facts
Red Finger limes, botanically classified as Citrus australasica, are very small, uniquely-shaped fruits that are classified as microcitrus and belong to the Rutaceae family. Native to Australia, Red Finger limes are naturally occurring, and there are many different varieties including Blunobia, Pink Crystal, Sanguinea, Judy’s Everbearing, and Pink Ice. Historically, Red Finger limes have been foraged in the wild and command a high price due to their limited availability and difficulty to harvest, but there has been a movement in the last decade to expand commercial production to meet increasing demand. Red Finger limes are gaining global recognition among gourmet chefs for their circular, crisp pearls, tangy flavor, and bright coloring. They are commonly used as a natural pop of flavor for both savory and sweet culinary dishes and a favored for their unusual texture.
Nutritional Value
Red Finger limes contain some folate, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Applications
Red Finger limes are best suited for both raw and cooked applications, but they are showcased when used as a garnish or raw addition. The pulp can be gently squeezed from the skin and garnished over tacos, grain bowls, tofu, green salads, fruit salads, mixed into vinaigrettes, or sprinkled over sliced avocado or melons with sea salt and served as a snack. The pulp also compliments seafood such as grilled salmon, oyster shooters, seared scallops, sushi, nigiri, and ceviche. In addition to savory dishes, Red Finger limes can be incorporated into marmalades and desserts including cheesecake, ice cream, cookies, cakes, and cream puffs. They are also popularly used as a floating garnish on cocktails and spirits such as mojitos, margaritas, martinis, and gin fizz. Red Finger limes pair well with watermelon, persimmons, melons, avocadoes, leafy greens, ginger, feta cheese, rice, seafood, and poultry. Fresh limes will keep for 2-4 weeks when wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen whole and stored for 6-12 months in the freezer.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Australia, Red Finger limes are still foraged from the wild and are labeled as a specialty crop known as a “bush tucker.” These small fruits have gained international recognition in the past decade for their similarity in appearance to caviar and have earned the nickname the “caviar of fruit” due to their unique, globular vesicles that are not attached and can easily be separated. Red Finger limes are also a popular home garden plant for their unusual attributes and can be grown in small containers and pots.
Geography/History
Red Finger limes are native to Australia, specifically to the rainforests in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales. The small fruits were found growing naturally in the wild and were originally used by the Aboriginal tribes since ancient times as food and medicine. When European colonization arrived in these tropical areas, much of the Red Finger lime trees were destroyed due to deforestation for settlements and farming. Some varieties survived in select regions, and these trees are the source for the commercial budwood used in production today. Red Finger limes can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocers in the United States, Australia, Europe, Asia, and tropical America.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Finger Limes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Delicious Everyday |
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Mojito Cheesecake Parfaits |
| The Cook's Pyjamas |
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Finger Lime Ice Cream Cup Cakes |
| Family Spice |
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Finger Lime Kamikaze Shot with Mint and Olive Oil |
