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Introduction of Finger Lime

            Scientific name - Citrus australasica

Finger lime is scientifically known as Citrus australasica is a rainforest plant grown and sited mainly in regions of South East Queensland also on ranges of Northern NSW. This tree naturally grows in places like an understorey place as a shrub that grows as tall as 6 meters in height on a varied range of soil type.

Distinctive feature of the tree

These trees grow to be thorny and are known to produce very unique finger shaped fruit known as the finger lime. The fruit grows as long as 12cm with a green yellow shaded skin and fleshy pulp inside it. This fruit can also sometimes produce a pink - red flesh that occurs absolutely naturally to them. This distinct coloured finger lime is known as Citrus australasica var. sanguinea. When these plants are not cultivated domestically, they grow in the wilds. These wild growing finger limes are very different from the domestic ones mainly because of the genetic variation. Apart from the genetic difference they also vary largely in size, shape, colour as well as the mount of seeds present in the fruit. The pulp of the fruit has an interesting look, feel and texture to it. This is because of the presence of separate juice vesicles present in them that makes them look like caviar. Each individual juice vesicles present in the fruit is compressed inside the skin of the fruit and once the fruit opens it burst out. Each juice vesicle is referred to as crystals.

Nutritional Value of Finger Lime

Calories	20	Sodium	1 mg
Total Fat	0 g	Potassium	0 mg
Saturated	0 g	Total Carbs	7 g
Polyunsaturated	0 g	Dietary Fiber	2 g
Monounsaturated	0 g	Sugars	1 g
Trans	0 g	Protein	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Vitamin A	1%	Calcium	2%
Vitamin C	32%	Iron	2%

Uses of Finger Lime

Finger limes are a delight to eat. The most important application of finger lime is by using it cooking various dishes, but the most popularly accepted method of consuming finger limes is by eating it raw or used as a garnish with the main dish. The food that goes best with finger limes are seafood, chicken. Spirits melons and cream based desserts to add a tinge of sourness to the dish. Adding a finger lime on an oyster shooter takes the dish t whole new level as it adds slight crunch and lots of flavour that escalates the dish to be the star of the menu. Grilled salmons and seared scallops are other two sea foods that goes really well if complimented with finger limes.

Another treat made better by finger lime is by slicing avocado or melons and sprinkling finger lime caviar on top of it, followed by a dash of sea salt. This makes an amazingly refreshing afternoon snack in the summer season. As lip smacking as they taste finger limes are a sign of sophistication to cocktails and spirits as they use them as floating garnish. The caviar of finger lime is also used to garnish sushi, cheesecake, ceviche, Grilled shrimps or any other dish that requires an outburst of flavours. Mainly citrus flavour.

Health benefits of Finger Lime

The king of citrus fruits are none other than limes and lemons. Citrus is synonymous to the flavor of lemons and limes. To make a refreshing drink one needs to just add a fresh squeeze of lemon in a glass of chilled water. Citrus fruits are known to be abundant source of Vitamin A, which is also reflected to be one of the most important antioxidant. Your body needs Vitamin A which is essential vitamin in protecting your cells against various diseases, even as seriously as cancer.

People with poor and sensitive vision look for Vitamin A rich food to improve their vision. Disorders like night blindness can also be avoided by adequate consumption of Vitamin A. abundance of potassium can be found in finger lime, potassium is very effective in combating high blood pressure. People with hypertension make sure to add finger lime caviar in their meals to avoid any further health issues. The development of kidney stones can be highly avoided by the presence of potassium in the body, as we know finger lime is a power house of potassium it can largely be avoided making consumption of finger lime an often practise.

The reason behind the formation of kidney stone is no rocket science. Kidney stones are a result of accumulation of calcium in one's kidney which leads to the formation of stone like structures. Potassium keeps the level of calcium in our body under check and hence leads to lowering the risk or formation kidney stones. Many terminal diseases such as breast colon, and prostate cancer can be avoided.Also known for is rich presence of Vitamin D this fruit helps in the formation of stronger teeth and bones. This fruit helps majorly in keeping the blood count in check.
Adding a finger lime in your diet given that its lip smacking and high beneficial to health doesn't really sound like a bad idea, does it?

Fertilization of Finger Lime

Finger limes are propagated from cuttings, and require specific environmental conditions to produce fruit. They should be planted in a sunny, well-drained location, and require regular fertilization. The best fertility for finger limes is a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Finger limes should be fertilized monthly during the growing season, from mid-spring through mid-summer. Use a liquid fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, and apply it at a rate of 1/2 cup per 10 square feet. After the trees have finished blooming, reduce the amount of fertilizer to 1/4 cup per 10 square feet and apply it every two months.

Finger limes should also be fertilized in the fall, just before the winter dormancy. Use a slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of 8-4-12 or 10-10-10, at a rate of 1/2 pound per 10 square feet. This will provide the trees with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and fruit production.

Finger limes are sensitive to overfertilization and may suffer from fertilizer burn if too much fertilizer is applied. To avoid this, always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply only the recommended amount.

Finger limes are an excellent addition to any garden and will produce an abundance of flavorful fruit with proper care and fertilization. With regular fertilization, they will provide years of enjoyment and delicious fruit.

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