The price for 1 kg of this fruit can reach millions of dong, yet wealthy individuals in China are still on the hunt to acquire it.
The Fruit Known as the “Caviar Lime” of Citrus
According to the Los Angeles Times, finger lime (scientific name: Microcitrus australasica) is one of six native citrus species from Australia, growing in the coastal rainforests of eastern Australia.
The finger lime is elongated and cylindrical, about 10 cm long, and comes in a variety of eye-catching colors, ranging from light green, dark green, bright red to deep red. Inside, it contains small, caviar-like citrus vesicles that resemble sturgeon caviar or salmon roe, with a sweet and sour flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood. According to some researchers, this species has been around for about 18 million years, becoming endemic to the regions of Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.
This fruit can be considered one of the most special in the citrus family, not only because of its unique shape but also due to the distinct appearance of its vesicles compared to regular limes.
Finger lime is a native plant of Australia. (Photo: Wikipedia).
Finger limes have distinctive characteristics compared to other citrus varieties, such as having very small leaves and flowers. In 1915, scientist Walter T. Swingle classified this lime and its close relatives into a separate genus called Microcitrus.
The height of the finger lime tree is about 2 to 7 meters. The flowers are white with petals measuring 6 to 9 mm long. The cylindrical fruit resembles a cucumber, measuring 4 to 8 cm in length. The fruit’s skin is thin and comes in various colors, including purple-red, dark green, and the most common being green and light red. The essential oil extracted from the fruit’s skin is quite fragrant, containing isomenthone commonly found in mint.
Finger lime creates a fragrant flavor when served with fresh seafood. (Photo: Daley Fruits).
The skin of the finger lime can be green or red. The citrus vesicles look just like caviar. Therefore, many people refer to them as “caviar pearls in the citrus family” because of this resemblance.
Experts say that the flavor of the finger lime is what makes it stand out. The taste of finger lime combines the flavors of lemon and regular lime, making it ideal for pairing with fresh seafood dishes like sushi or sashimi.
A Fruit Highly Sought After by the Wealthy
Despite its uniqueness, finger limes faced near extinction due to human activity. This occurred when Europeans arrived in Australia in the 18th century. Many finger limes were cut down to make way for agriculture and livestock, nearly leading to the depletion of this tree species. Fortunately, some trees still survive in national parks, which is why this fruit is now rare and not widely available in markets.
Compared to regular limes, which cost around 30,000-35,000 dong/kg, finger limes are priced at about 3.5 to 3.6 million dong/kg, making them approximately 100 times more expensive than regular limes. It is estimated that this price is nearly equivalent to half the price of SJC gold.
Finger lime is a high-priced fruit but is highly sought after in China. (Photo: Science Direct).
In China, this agricultural product must be imported, and it is often sold for 1,100 RMB/kg (over 3.6 million dong/kg). In Vietnam, people can order it through international shipping, with prices typically reaching 3.5 million dong/kg.
Although the price of this imported fruit is significantly higher than usual, finger lime remains one of the most sought-after items in China. According to Sohu, wealthy individuals in China do not mind the high price. They believe finger lime has high nutritional value, making it very beneficial for health.
Chinese people often use finger lime sprinkled on seafood dishes to enhance flavor and improve nutrient absorption. (Photo: Science Direct).
Being related to other citrus fruits, finger limes are rich in vitamins C, E, A, potassium, folate, and high levels of antioxidants. Research shows that one finger lime contains three times more vitamin C than a tangerine. Due to its abundant vitamin C and E content, finger lime is highly effective in boosting immunity, preventing skin aging, stimulating collagen production, reducing blood pressure, and addressing iron deficiency.
When preparing grilled or fried seafood, this fruit is often sprinkled on top to enhance the dish’s flavor and optimize nutrient absorption when consuming seafood.
