Have you ever seen or heard of a finger lime? I like to describe it as a lime that is approximately the size of your pinky. The flesh of the fruit is referred to as “citrus caviar” and/or “citrus pearls,” and they are being advertised as something that you could eat in place of a lemon or a lime (e.g., with seafood, drinks, etc.). However, this is a little bit of a different experience compared to eating a lemon or a lime, as you experience a burst of flavor on the first bite that is unlike anything I have ever tried! It is not as sour as a lemon or lime and it actually makes it feel like it’s bursting on your tongue, but not in an uncomfortable way!
How Finger Limes Grow
Finger limes are native to Australia, but there are a few growers who have started growing them in California. The finger lime trees are short, with large branches. There are large thorns interlaced between the fruit that is something in which the harvesters need to be cautious.
What Affects the Skin Color of Finger Limes?
The climate and growing conditions affect the skin color of the resulting finger limes. Shanley Farms and their partners grow finger limes on the Central Coast and in the Central Valley of California, and although the citrus pearls are the same on the inside of the fruit, you can tell the difference between the two. Those grown on the coast are darker in skin color compared to those grown in the valley, but the inside pulp remains the same.
Finger Lime Packing
The finger limes are hand harvested in the field and are then transported to the packing shed. There is no wash step or any additional handling. The finger limes are packed straight from the harvesting bins into the packages that are sent to the customer. There are workers who sort out the finger limes into three separate categories: primary market, secondary market and culls. Based on the category, they are packaged accordingly into the clamshell specified by the customer. At Shanley Farms, they ship their product directly to the consumer, as well as to different markets.
What is the Coolest Thing about Finger Limes?
One of the most exciting and unique things about finger limes is that they react to carbonation. For example, if you put the finger lime flesh into a carbonated drink, the “citrus pearls” will jump. The citrus pearls, which is what the inner flesh is referred to as, will actually move up and down in the drink on their own. We tested this out in the video below!
Featured Grower Information
I would like to thank Shanley Farms for the tour and for allowing their content to be shared. Shanley Farms has growing regions in Morro Bay, California and Visalia, California and they grow Morro Bay avocados, passion fruit, finger limes, and coffee beans! Check out their website to learn more about finger limes and how to access their finger limes and other products that are grown in California.
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Didn’t know these existed, now I must go buy one! Great, and insightful.
Hi Crystal, thank you! That is great to hear! These fingerlimes just might give your regular limes a run for their money!