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Finger lime - a tree-like plant in the form of a shrub or tree (fignerlime) is a rare exotic representative of the Citrus genus. It differs from the usual citrus crops in color, shape and internal content of the fruit. The wild species has given rise to many hybrid varieties that are grown on plantations for commercial purposes.
Where do finger limes grow?
The historical homeland of the finger lime is Australia, more precisely, the tropical forests of the Eastern part of the country. The plant appeared in botanical reference books in 1859; it was discovered in the states of South Wales and Queensland. In its natural environment, fingerlime forms undergrowth near tall trees. Optimal conditions for growing season are shade from the crown, high air humidity, loamy soils, and sufficient precipitation.
At the end of the 20th century, the crop began to be grown en masse. The demand for finger lime fruits was several times higher than the proposed export volumes. Finger limes are grown in coastal areas in eastern Australia. The country is the main supplier of fruits and seedlings. Finger limes are very popular in America.In the USA, the plant is cultivated on large plantations in the state of California, where the climate is as close as possible to its natural habitat. Finger lime is found in Thailand and Italy.
Description of finger lime
Finger lime is a rare plant with a limited growing range. Depending on weather conditions and the place of growth, it takes the form of a shrub or tree. Shrub varieties reach a height of up to 3 m, a tree – up to 8 m. The crop blooms in late autumn, after 6 months the fruits begin to ripen. Based on the wild species, remontant varieties have been created, in which the first harvest is carried out in June, the last fruits are harvested in November.
External characteristics of the Australian fignerlime:
- The trunk of the tree and the central branches of the bush are of the same volume within 3-4 cm, growing upright. The culture is weakly branched, the color of young shoots is light green, the color of the trunk is gray-brown, the bark is dense and rough. The plant has long green spines. The crown is sparse, foliage is average.
- Unlike other citrus fruits, finger limes produce small, oppositely spaced leaves. The leaf blade is dense, bright green, lanceolate in shape with a glossy surface.
- During budding, finger lime is completely covered with rounded small balls, the flowers are simple single, pink or white with a yellow core and orange stamens.
The exotic finger lime fruits are filled with numerous round-shaped vacuoles, the diameter of which is 4-5 mm, they resemble fish eggs.
The internal contents of the fruit are sour-tasting juice. The shape is an oblong oval in the form of a finger, tapering towards the apex. Weight – 150 g, length – 8-10 cm.The peel is thin, the surface is finely lumpy. When the finger lime ripens, the peel bursts and bubbles filled with juice appear on the surface.
The color of the fruit depends on the variety of finger lime:
- Red Australian – fruit and pulp of rich burgundy color;
- Faustin – the surface and oval vacuoles are yellow;
- Australian Sunrise – pear-shaped orange fruits, bright yellow round juice-containing sacs;
- Rainforest Pearl – a hybrid with pink flesh and green-burgundy skin;
- Durham Emerald – black fruit with blue-green flesh;
- Blunobia Pink Crystal – the surface is brown-brown, the inside is dark pink;
- Alstonville – dark green surface, bright pink flesh.
The perennial crop grows slowly and begins to bear fruit at the age of 7 years; hybrid finger lime varieties grafted onto a rootstock produce fruit 3 years earlier.
Benefits and harms
The chemical composition of finger lime includes a set of vitamins and microelements involved in almost all body functions:
- Vitamin composition: group B, Ascorbic acid, Phylloquinone, Alpha tocopherol, Nicotinamide, Retinol. These components dissolve fats, increase energy levels, are involved in the regeneration of the skin, stabilize protein metabolism, acid-base balance, help normalize hemoglobin, enhance the protective reaction to viral and bacterial infections, act as antioxidants, and control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Potassium protects cell membranes from negative effects and maintains water balance.Inhibits cardiac pathologies.
- Calcium is a building material for bone tissue and teeth. It has the function of an absorbent, rids the body of toxic substances, and improves blood clotting.
- Magnesium strengthens the heart muscle and normalizes blood circulation.
- Sodium is involved in the absorption of calcium, takes an active part in the function of the digestive tract, and strengthens the nervous system.
- Iron promotes the production of hemoglobin and enhances the process of hematopoiesis.
- Selenium prevents the development of eye diseases and improves vision.
Eating finger lime helps:
- strengthening the immune system;
- relief of inflammatory processes;
- improving digestion;
- prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
- stimulation of the kidneys and endocrine system;
- blocking the development of anemia;
- strength of the skeletal system;
- improving the condition of the skin, hair, teeth, nails.
The exotic Australian fruit is used in the cosmetology industry. The chemical composition includes essential compounds, which are used to produce oil for shampoos and hair conditioners. Finger lime improves hair condition, eliminates dandruff, and normalizes the secretion of the sebaceous glands. The juice is included in lotions and creams designed to cleanse the skin, give it a healthy appearance, and prevent age-related changes.
The benefits of finger lime are undeniable, but there are a number of contraindications that make it undesirable to include citrus in your diet. Contraindications:
- individual intolerance;
- lactation period;
- children under 3 years of age;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal pathologies: ulcers, colitis, gastritis;
- cholecystitis.
People with dysbacteriosis should approach their use with caution. Diarrhea may occur.
How to eat finger lime
The popularization of finger citrus is gaining momentum every year. In some restaurants, the pulp has become a branded ingredient in dishes. Citrus is an integral component of Latin American recipes and is widely used in Southeast Asian cooking. In Russia, finger lime is not so popular due to the high price offer and insufficient supply to the retail chain. Uses of Finger Lime:
- juice is included in the sauce for chicken and fish;
- season the sushi;
- goes as a decoration for desserts;
- included in sandwiches;
- Cocktails are decorated with citrus caviar;
- added to alcoholic drinks.
You can make jam and marmalade at home. The dried and ground zest is used as a spicy seasoning. Due to its property of breaking down fats, finger lime is included in diets to normalize weight and cleanse the body.
Calorie content
Australian finger lime fruits are low-calorie foods. Daily consumption in moderation is indicated for overweight people. When you include finger lime in your weight loss diet, the results will be noticeable within 2 months. The calorie content of a citrus fruit is 30 kcal per 100 g of weight, of which:
- carbohydrates – 7.7 g;
- proteins – 0.65 g;
- fats – 0.19 g.
Fruits with low calorie content and high energy composition with a minimum amount of sugars are recommended to be consumed by everyone except people who have contraindications.
How to Grow Finger Limes at Home
Wild Australian finger lime can be grown in the Russian climate only in the subtropical zone of the Krasnodar Territory. Hybrid varieties are more resistant to low temperatures; they can withstand down to -3 0C. The crop is grown in a temperate climate in a semi-permanent manner. The tree-like plant is planted in a tub, brought indoors for the winter, and placed in an open area in the summer.
Agricultural technology requirement:
- The place for finger lime is chosen in the shade - under the protection of tall trees.
- Air humidity should be high.
- The soil is suitable fertile, but the seedling can be grown on loamy soil.
- Finger limes are propagated by layering or grafting onto the rootstock of a more frost-resistant citrus crop.
- Watering is carried out in accordance with precipitation, at least once every 2 days; in winter it is irrigated by drip.
- Mandatory pruning is required. Immediately after fruiting, old branches are removed; the crown should not be allowed to thicken.
- The plant is fertilized in the spring during flowering; complex mineral fertilizers for citrus crops are suitable.
Conclusion
Finger lime is a perennial tree plant that belongs to rare exotic crops. The representative of Citrus comes from the Australian rainforests, so it prefers a warm and humid climate, a partially shaded place and a complete absence of drafts and low temperatures. The fruits are used in cooking as a seasoning for fish and chicken dishes. Used to decorate desserts and cocktails.By creating conditions that are as close as possible to their natural habitat, you can grow finger limes at home.
