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citron caviar

finger lime

Citrus australasica, the Australian finger lime or caviar lime

Microcitrus australasica. Also known as citron caviar, citron digité or lime australienne, finger limes have appeared in recent years in France’s high end restaurants and cocktail bars, with prices that can soar to €100 a kilo, or €5.50 for one.

Native to eastern Australia, they are now grown in California and Mediterranean France and elsewhere. They come in several varieties and colours, and their fruit, unique among citrus, resembles caviar, which is one reason why chefs adore them.

Fruit and nuts

Text © Dana Facaros

Image by Amada44