Australian finger lime

Finger lime – a tree plant in the form of a shrub or tree (figner lime) is a rare exotic representative of the genus Citrus. It differs from the usual citrus crops in color, shape and internal content of fruits. The wild species has given rise to many hybrid varieties that are grown on plantations for commercial purposes.

Where does finger lime grow?

The historical homeland of the finger lime is Australia, more precisely, the tropical forests of the Eastern part of the country. The plant got into botanical reference books in 1859, it was found in the states of South Wales and Queensland. In its natural environment, the finger lime forms undergrowth near tall trees. Optimal conditions for vegetation are shade from the crown, high humidity, loamy soils, sufficient rainfall.

At the end of the XNUMXth century, culture began to be grown en masse. The demand for finger lime fruits was several times higher than the proposed export volumes. Grow finger lime in coastal areas in the East of Australia. The country is the main supplier of fruits and seedlings. Finger lime is 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 the natural habitat. There is a finger lime in Thailand and Italy.

Description of finger lime

Finger lime is a rare plant with a limited habitat. Depending on weather conditions and place of growth, it has the shape of a shrub or tree. Shrub varieties reach a height of up to 3 m, a tree – up to 8 m. The culture blooms in late autumn, after 6 months the fruits begin to ripen. On the basis of the wild-growing species, remontant varieties have been created, in which the first harvest is carried out in June, the last fruits are removed in November.

External characteristics of the Australian figurine:

1. The trunk of a tree and the central branches of a shrub of the same volume within 3-4 cm, upright. The culture is slightly branched, the color of young shoots is light green, the trunk is gray-brown, the bark is dense, rough. The plant has long green spines. The crown is sparse, the foliage is medium.
2. Unlike other representatives of citrus fruits, the finger lime forms small, opposite leaves. The leaf plate is dense, bright green, lanceolate in shape with a glossy surface.
3. When budding, the finger lime is completely covered with rounded small balls, the flowers are simple single, pink or white with a yellow center and orange stamens.

The exotic fruits of the finger lime are filled with numerous round-shaped vacuoles, the diameter of which is 4-5 mm, they resemble fish caviar.

The internal content of the fruit is a sour-tasting juice. The shape of an oblong oval in the form of a finger, tapering towards the top. Weight – 150 g, length – 8-10 cm. The peel is thin, the surface is finely bumpy. When the lime ripens, the finger peel bursts, bubbles filled with juice appear on the surface.

The color of the fruit depends on the variety of finger lime:

• Red Australian – the fruit and pulp of a rich burgundy color;
• Faustina – yellow surface and oval vacuoles;
• Australian Sunrise – pear-shaped orange fruits, bright yellow rounded juice sacs;
• Rainforest Pearl – 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 inner part is dark pink;
• Alstonville – dark green surface, bright pink flesh.

A perennial culture grows slowly, begins to bear fruit at the age of 7 years, hybrid finger lime varieties grafted onto a rootstock bear fruit 3 years earlier.

Benefit and harm

The chemical composition of finger lime includes a set of vitamins and trace elements involved in almost all body functions:

1. Vitamin composition: groups B, Ascorbic acid, Phylloquinone, Alpha-tocopherol, Nicotinamide, Retinol. These components dissolve fats, increase energy levels, participate in the regeneration of the skin, stabilize protein metabolism, acid-base balance, help normalize hemoglobin, enhance the protective response to viral and bacterial infections, act as antioxidants, control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
2. Potassium protects cell membranes from negative effects, maintains water balance. Slows down cardiac pathologies.
3. Calcium is the building material of bone tissue and teeth. It has the function of an absorbent, rids the body of toxic substances, improves blood clotting.
4. Magnesium strengthens the heart muscle, normalizes blood circulation.
5. Sodium is involved in the absorption of calcium, takes an active part in the function of the digestive tract, and strengthens the nervous system.
6. Iron contributes to the production of hemoglobin, enhances the process of hematopoiesis.
7. Selenium prevents the development of eye diseases, improves vision.

The use of finger lime contributes to:

• strengthening immunity;
• 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;
• improve the condition of the skin, hair, teeth, nails.

An exotic Australian fruit is used in the cosmetic industry. The chemical composition includes essential compounds, on the basis of which oil is produced for shampoos, hair conditioners. Finger lime improves the condition of the hair, eliminates dandruff, normalizes the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Juice is included in lotions and creams designed to cleanse the skin, give it a healthy look, and prevent age-related changes.

The benefits of finger lime are undeniable, but there are a number of contraindications in which it is undesirable to include citrus in the diet. Contraindications:

• idiosyncrasy;
• lactation period;
• children up to 3 years;
• exacerbation of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract: ulcer, colitis, gastritis;
• cholecystitis.

People with dysbacteriosis should be approached with caution to use. 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 essential ingredient in Latin American recipes and is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine. In Our Country, finger lime is not so popular due to the high price offer and insufficient supply to the distribution network. Application of finger lime:

• juice is part of the sauce for chicken and fish;
• refuel sushi;
• goes decoration to desserts;
• included in sandwiches;
• citrus “caviar” decorates cocktails;
• added to alcoholic beverages.

At home, you can make jam, marmalade. Dried and ground zest is used as a spicy seasoning. Thanks to its ability to break down fats, finger lime is included in diets to normalize weight and cleanse the body.

Caloric value

The fruits of the Australian finger lime are low-calorie foods. Daily use in moderation is indicated for overweight people. When you include a finger lime in a weight loss diet, the result will be noticeable after 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 a low calorie content and with a high energy composition with a minimum amount of sugars are recommended for everyone, except for people who have contraindications.

How to grow a finger lime at home

Wild Australian finger lime can be grown in the climate only in the subtropical zone of the Krasnodar Territory. Hybrid varieties are more resistant to low temperatures, they can withstand up to -3 ⁰C. Grow the crop in a temperate climate in a semi-stationary way. A tree plant is planted in a tub, brought indoors for the winter, and exposed to an open area in the summer.

Agricultural technology requirement:

1. A place for a finger lime is chosen shaded – under the protection of tall trees.
2. Humidity should be high.
3. The soil is suitable fertile, but you can grow a seedling on loamy soil.
4. Finger lime is propagated by layering or grafting onto a stock of a more frost-resistant citrus crop.
5. Watering is carried out in accordance with precipitation, at least 1 time in 2 days, in winter it is irrigated by drip.
6. Mandatory pruning required. Immediately after fruiting, old branches are removed; crown thickening should not be allowed.
7. 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 belonging to rare exotic crops. A representative of Citrus fruits from the Australian rainforests, therefore, 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. When creating conditions as close as possible to the natural habitat, you can grow a finger lime at home.