Finger Lime

Finger Lime [fíng gər] [līm]

...the finger lime

(Citrus australasica)

This mysterious fruit is very native to Australia. It may come as a surprise to many of you out there that a fruit of this calibre actually exists. It was unbeknown to this me 2 years ago…after 13 years within the cookery industry. What a revelation!

The native Aboriginal  people of this country came to understand and benefit from the finger lime many thousands of years ago. The European settles have been blamed for clearing much of the land this fruit was endemic to, closing a chapter of our environments reflection.

As the name states these fruit are shaped like a finger. When split they reveal an amazing abundance of ‘caviar’ like vesicles.

When consumed they as per caviar burst in the mouth, only to edify our palates with a sweetened lime tang, with an indescribable charisma.

I recently stumbled across them in a very quiet part of my locale…Chillingham. Those who read this and can easily jump in the jalopy and head to Chillingham must go. As well as educating yourself about the Finger Lime you will additionally be enlightened to the Buddha’s  Hand fruit, curry leaf and lemon myrtle as well as much other locally grown produce .

Owner and cultivator of all things local Gerard “Buck” Buchanan  was more than happy to show me around.

gateway to the finger lime

the place of many secrets

Overwhelmed at the experience of learning more of the Finger Limes endemic country I was equally blown away at learning of the ONLY farm in the country growing the Japanese Yuzu. Unsure…Google it.

Of course with any ingredient it is up to the chef to procure a use for this gem…but in my mind the unsurpassed way to benefit from the finger lime is to partner it with another natural wonder….a nude oyster…………bliss.

Read, research, absorb and enjoy

Natural wonder