Finger Limes: Uses & Health Benefits

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By Amy Burkhart MD, RD

My nephew is a Michelin Star chef, so whenever he and his wife visit, I know I’m in for a culinary adventure. Their latest visit was no exception—they introduced me to finger limes, a delicious albeit foreign-to-me fruit with a surprising center. Some foods are fun, flavorful, unique, and nutritious.  Finger limes check all those boxes. Though their name hints at their citrusy taste, their outward appearance might trick you into thinking you’re about to bite into a tiny cucumber.

Even though I live where finger limes can grow, I had never seen them or heard of them.  Given my experience, this post will also be your first exposure to these peculiar fruits.

Let’s explore what finger limes are, where you can find them, their nutritional benefits, and how you can use them in cooking.

Finger limes are a small citrus fruit endemic to Australia. Roughly the size of a thumb, which explains their name. They’re most commonly green but also come in yellow, red, and purple shades. Their outer skin resembles a traditional lime, but the real surprise is inside. When you cut one open, you’ll find tiny, bead-like pearls called vesicles. These juicy little pearls look similar to caviar, which is why they are also known as citrus caviar. They have a tart flavor when you bite into them, similar to a lime, but the texture resembles a natural form of  Pop Rocks candy. Just like kumquats, you can, if you choose, eat the entire fruit, skin included, but it is the pearls that are most commonly used when cooking.

Finger limes are a member of the citrus family and offer a wide range of health benefits thanks to their rich content of phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are natural chemicals found in some foods known for their positive impact on health. The primary phenolic compound found in finger limes are called flavonoids. Flavonoids are particularly beneficial due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support overall well-being in various ways.

Because of the flavonoids and vitamin C in finger limes, they have high antioxidant activity.

Antioxidants are substances that help protect your body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can are formed naturally as part of a person’s metabolism. Free radicals also increase in response to stress, smoking, and environmental factors such as pollution. They can damage cells and contribute to aging, chronic diseases, and cancer. The antioxidants in finger limes help to protect the body from damage, supporting overall health and reducing the risk of disease.

In addition to their antioxidant power, finger limes are known for their anti-inflammatory effects.

Inflammation is a natural response by the body to stress, trauma, or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to various health problems, such as arthritis,  heart disease, autoimmune disease and other conditions associated with inflammation. Finger limes help reduce inflammation by blocking the production of cytokines—substances made by the body that are released during an inflammatory response. By reducing the production of these inflammatory cytokines, finger limes can help alleviate symptoms associated with chronic inflammation and promote better health.

Fiber is the new protein.

This is a popular new saying due to fiber’s many health benefits beyond the digestive system. Fiber is a cornerstone of optimal health.  It helps balance the microbiome, regulates blood sugar levels, and lowers the risk of certain cancers. One serving of finger limes is equivalent to 7 finger limes and contains 3 grams of fiber. They do not qualify as high-fiber food (5 grams/serving,) but three grams of fiber is an excellent start to the recommended 25-30 grams of fiber per day.

They also have anti-inflammatory benefits

Finger limes have also shown the potential to support blood sugar regulation and exhibit anti-tumor effects. By helping to balance blood sugar levels, finger limes can contribute to maintaining healthy energy levels and lower rates of inflammation. Some compounds in finger limes may have anti-tumor properties, potentially offering protective effects against certain types of cancer.

Online or local

Finger limes are native to Australia and thrive in heat, making them easier to find in the US in places with a warm climate. I picked mine up at a local farmers market, but they can sometimes be found in gourmet markets or specialty grocery shops. If you’d like to try them and can’t find them locally, you can order them in the US online from Pearson Ranch or Shanley Farms.

If you want a continual lifeline to finger limes and want to purchase a finger lime tree, you can look on Etsy or at this online retailer. They love the sun, need irrigation, and a covering in the winter if the temperatures drop.

Finger limes add a burst of citrus flavor to any dish.

Their caviar-like beads make them a visually appealing flavor addition to meals typically featuring regular lime or those that could use a bit of tang

To use finger limes, start by slicing the fruit lengthwise, from one end to the other. Once cut open, you’ll notice the inside is filled with tiny, translucent beads known as vesicles. These beads are the tart part of the fruit. Simply squeeze or scrape the vesicles out with a spoon or your fingers and sprinkle them directly onto your dish. As mentioned, you can also eat the entire fruit, skin and all, similar to a kumquat.

To keep finger limes fresh, store them in the refrigerator.

They can last up to several weeks if properly stored. Place them in a crisper drawer or a breathable produce bag. If you’ve cut the finger limes and have leftovers, you can store the unused vesicles in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days, though it’s best to use them as soon as possible for the best flavor.

• Tacos– they are a popular topping for fish tacos. Use the inside of one finger lime per taco for optimal flavor. The citrus also complements spicy salsas or guacamole.
• Seafood dishes– The pearls make an excellent topping for Oysters or any fatty fish such as tuna or hamachi (yellowtail). They also can be used to accent poke bowls. If you are cooking for a family, add the pearls to a sauce to spread the flavor to the entire dish.
• Salads– mixing sliced finger limes or topping with the pearls are two popular ways to add a bit of tang to any salad
• Desserts– finger lime pie might just have to be my next recipe try
• Cocktails–Ever muddle a cocktail? Well, now you have a new muddling option! Add muddled finger lime to a margarita on a hot summer day and you are in for a treat!  Or use finger limes as a garnish or squeeze the vesicles into cocktails for a zesty twist on traditional lime-based drinks.

Finger limes are a novel addition to your cooking toolkit. They offer a burst of flavor and a range of health benefits and bring an unexpected twist to any dish. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make them a healthy addition to your diet, while their tangy, pop-in-your-mouth texture will always be a conversation starter. So, don’t hesitate to experiment—finger limes are a great way to add a little excitement to your cooking and your health.