Origin

The Caviar Lemon (Citrus Australasia or Microcitrus Australasica.) or Australian Finger Lime or simply Finger Lime is a shrub or small evergreen tree native to the Australian subtropical forest.

In Australia it is called Finger Lime as the fruits resemble fingers; in Italy it received the name Lemon Caviar, as the fruit, once opened, actually looks like caviar.

Cultivation

Lemon Caviar Plants are characterized by slow growth; they require a mild, warm climate throughout the year and shaded areas.

The plants are thorny and can reach a height of between 2 and 5 m. with a very bushy habit.

Growing in pots

Citrus Australasica plants can and must be grown in pots in the areas of Northern Italy, in order to protect them from the cold.

Planting

The soil must be well draining.

The plants require planting on a 3×3 m area. to go up.

To be looked after carefully during the first year.

Pruning

Lemon Caviar Plants do not require particular pruning, which must be carried out aiming to improve air circulation and the quality of the fruit.

When cleaning, it is also recommended to eliminate suckers and shoots under the graft.

Leaves

Lemon Caviar Leaves are characterized by the emission of a strong citrus scent.

The shape of the leaves is much smaller than on a normal citrus plant.

Flowers

The flowers of the Finger Lime are white in color, tending towards pale pink.

Flowering period

Flowering occurs throughout the summer and the first part of Autumn.

Maturation

Lemon Caviar ripens throughout the winter.

Fruits

The shape of the Lemon Caviar Fruit is very particular, cylindrical, being long and narrow, just like a finger.

The approximate measurements of a Finger Lime Fruit vary between 10 – 20 cm in length and 35 – 30 g. weight.

You will be surprised to see, once opened, the pulp composed of numerous small spheres that we could call pearls, just like Caviar, composed of a liquid with an acidic flavour, a mix between Lemon and Grapefruit, sweeter.

Storage

Finger Lime can be stored for approximately 4 – 5 weeks at a temperature between 5° and -10° C.

Use

Edible.

Decorative for gastronomic preparations.

It adapts very well to fish dishes.

Property

• Refreshing
• Diuretics
• Antiseptics
• Promotes digestion

Resources

• Blog: Citrus paradisi: how to grow grapefruit;
• Blog: Growing Orange, the complete guide;
• Blog: How to grow citrus fruits;
• Blog: The Hand of Buddha: why and how to cultivate it;
• Blog: Lemon cultivation: the environmental needs to follow;
• Blog: Today we talk about… Citrus fruits;
• Images: Citrus Lemons – Lemon Trees.