Overview of Finger Lime

This unusual fruit, which can be found in the rainforests of Southeast Queensland, was first discovered when European settlers took control of Australia during the European colonization period and deforested the wilderness. After setting their sights on this fruit, the settlers discovered that they found it to be strangely intriguing.

They decided to take a chance and were taken aback by what they discovered. It had the appearance of a finger, tasted like lime, and looked like caviar when it was opened. Because of its uniqueness, botanists at the time determined that this fruit was rare and should be planted in gardens to ensure its survival.

Facts about Finger Lime

Finger limes were traditionally used in a variety of dishes by indigenous peoples before they were widely cultivated in the modern era. These fruits were used in the preparation of food as well as as a garnish on top of the dish. Its juice vessels have gained a lot of attention for their ability to add zing to dishes when used as a garnish.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that finger limes began to be mass-produced and consumed for a variety of commercial applications. The most common applications included making marmalades for the general public, while indigenous people continued to consume them as bush tucker and as a means of strengthening the body against illnesses.

Citrus Australasia was given this name because it is a fruit that is indigenous to the people of Australia. The name of the fruit is self-explanatory and effectively summarizes the meaning of the fruit in a few words. It is a citrus fruit that flourishes in Australia and has a bitter taste.

This fruit gained a great deal of popularity, and the demand for it increased in international markets. Finger limes were first exported to other countries in the early 2000s when Australia began to export them all over the world.

Finger Lime Comes in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes

Finger limes are available in a variety of different varieties. The following are the five finger lime varieties that are commonly found in Australia:

Pink Ice

This particular variety of finger lime has an exterior that is on the lighter side of brown but an interior that is a vibrant pink.

Crystal

This variety of finger lime has green skin and vesicles that are also green, which is a coincidence. It is, undoubtedly, the most flavorful of the bunch.

Crimson Tide

This kind of finger lime is on the darker end of the brown spectrum, but it has red vesicles, which is surprising. It has a more lovable flavor than most other varieties of finger lime.

Chartreuse

The vesicles of this type of finger lime are yellow in color, and the skin is a light green color. They are well-known for having a bitter taste.

Health Benefits of Finger Lime

Reduced Possibility of Iron Deficiency (Anemia)

Every serving of finger lime provides a significant amount of iron to the body. The aforementioned mineral is required for the production of RBCs, which is an abbreviation for red blood cells.

Red blood cells (RBCs) are responsible for allowing the blood to transport oxygen throughout your body. It has been shown that eating finger limes and other iron-rich foods can help reduce your risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia.

Improved Eye Health and Visual Acuity

Finger limes are also high in vitamin A, which is a very good thing. According to what you may already know, vitamin A is essential for maintaining the health of your eyes and vision at their best.

Since vitamin A is such a powerful antioxidant, it protects your eyes from the damaging free radicals that can cause eye diseases and vision loss.

Delayed Aging of the Skin

Vitamin C, found in abundance in finger limes, Keeps your skin looking young and beautiful is something that lime is excellent at doing. This is as a result of the fact that it zaps free radicals that damage skin cells, causing the skin to age more quickly as a result.

Vitamin C also promotes the production of collagen, a type of protein that helps to keep wrinkles at bay by making your skin more elastic. Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties.

Immunity to Infections Will Be Boosted

The vitamin C found in finger lime is one of the most abundant nutrients in the plant. Each and every person is aware that this nutrient aids in the development of a strong immune system, which pushes the body to become less susceptible to infection by bacteria and viruses.

When it comes to the flu or any other upper respiratory tract infection, eating finger limes can be especially beneficial, especially during flu season.

Teeth And Gums That Will Be in Good Health

Scurvy is a medical condition caused by a lack of vitamin C in the body. Gums that are swollen and bleeding are the hallmarks of this condition. Because your gums are responsible for supporting and nourishing your pearly whites, maintaining their health is essential.

If your smile is one of your most valuable assets, make sure to eat finger limes and other edibles that are high in vitamin C to keep it healthy.

Protection Against Diseases Associated with Old Age

Finger limes contain a significant amount of vitamin E. This nutrient, like vitamins A and C, possesses exceptional antioxidant properties. Several studies have revealed that it is extremely effective at preventing a wide range of health problems associated with aging, including heart disease and diabetes. Diseases of the joints, the brain, the nerves, and the heart are among those that can occur.

It Lowers the Chance of Developing High Blood Pressure

Because it contains potassium, this fruit is a lifesaver for people who suffer from high blood pressure. This fruit aids in the widening of blood vessels and ensures that they are large enough to allow for smooth blood flow. If you desire to keep your heart healthy, it is critical that you consume finger limes on a regular basis.

Finger Lime Infusions and Other Culinary Applications

The juice bubbles produced by finger limes are similar to lime caviar, which can be employed as an ingredient or a garnish in a variety of recipes.

When you chew on the vesicles of the finger limes, a tangy flavor is released into the air. When compared to limes, they have a more acidic flavor, which makes them excellent for pickling and marmalade. When dried, the skin of the caviar limes can be used as a spice in cooking and baking.

Finger limes are currently being used to make jams, cocktails, sauces, and even salad dressings, according to the USDA. In short, caviar limes can be used in place of limes and lemons in a variety of recipes.

Finger limes can be used in a variety of culinary applications. This exotic fruit can be used to make desserts such as cheesecake.

Recipe

Finger Lime Tart with Coconut Cream

Ingredients

• 50 ml agave
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 cup cashews
• 50 ml lemons

Lime filling

• 1 ½ cups lime juice
• ¼ cup fragrance-free coconut oil
• 5 cups avocado
• 1 ¼ cups agave
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Coconut Cream

• 1 cup cashews
• 200 ml agave syrup
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 5 cups coconut milk

Garnish

• 4 finger limes

Directions

To lay a foundation

1. Place a couple of macadamia nut halves in each glass.
2. In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine all of the foundation ingredients until the cashews have been transformed into a smooth cream. Pour the mixture into the glasses and lay them in the freezer to solidify for a few minutes.

To make the lime filling, follow these steps:

1. To make the lime filling, combine all of the ingredients in a high-powered food processor and process until the blend is smooth and creamy. No chunks, my friends. There will be no chunks. This is a really severe matter. Because produce is always different, it is important to taste and modify as needed. If you prefer your filling to be sweeter, increase the amount of agave nectar used. Avocado replaces some of the sugar. If you want it more acidic, add lime juice; if you want it less acidic, add avocado.
2. Take the glasses out of the deep freezer and spoon the mousse on top of the base of the glasses. To smooth out the layer and remove air bubbles, tap it on the bench a few times. Replace the container in the deep freezer to chill.

To produce coconut cream, follow these steps:

1. Process or combine all of the ingredients for the coconut cream in a high-powered food processor or blender until the cashews are smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture on top of the lime filling and place the cups back in the freezer.

Garnish

1. After the coconut cream has had a chance to harden a little, cut the end of the finger lime and squeeze out the beautiful small lime capsules. To make the lime tarts, place a half teaspoon of finger lime in the middle of each glass.