Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

finger lime caviar

Experience the zesty burst of finger lime caviar—Australia’s native culinary treasure, now gaining popularity among New Zealand foodies and gardeners alike. Finger lime caviar refers to the tiny, bead-like pulp vesicles found inside the fruit of Citrus australasica, also known as Finger Lime or Caviar Lime. When sliced open, the fruit’s thin skin reveals a cascade of glistening, juicy pearls that pop with intense citrus flavour—an extraordinary garnish for seafood, salads, desserts, and cocktails. Growing your own finger lime tree offers the opportunity to enjoy this exceptional fruit fresh from your garden, transforming your culinary creations and garden landscape.

Citrus australasica

5 from 1 customers

Citrus australasica, commonly known as the Finger Lime or Caviar Lime, is an evergreen shrub grown for its unusual fruit, which is regarded as a food delicacy. The oblong fruit has caviar-like flesh, which is juicy with a tangy, lemon-lime flavour. Citrus australasica typically grows to 2 m tall and the same wide, and can be pruned as necessary. The trees are commonly added to a mixed planting, planted around outdoor living areas, maintained in containers, or grown as small specimens.

Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) fruit with yellow flesh cut in half.
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Citrus
  • Height:
    2.00 m
  • Spread:
    2.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Garden uses:
    Containers, Living areas, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern
Citrus rootstock for sale.
Most Popular

Citrus Rootstock

Citrus Rootstock is an essential choice for grafting citrus trees, providing a strong foundation that enhances vigour, disease resistance, and...

Ugli fruit with wrinkled green skin.
Most Popular

Citrus Ugli Fruit

Ugli Fruit is a cross between a Tangelo and a Grapefruit and is commonly known as a Jamaican Tangelo. The result is fruit that is of medium size, has...

A Citrus medica sarcodactylis (Buddha's Hand) yellow fruit.
Most Popular

Citrus medica sarcodactylis

Citrus medica sarcodactylis, commonly known as the Buddha's Hand tree, is a variety of citrus grown for its very unusual fruit, which ripens in...

A Flying Dragon citrus shrub with orange fruit.
Most Popular

Citrus Flying Dragon

The Flying Dragon Citrus is a variety of the commonly known Bitter Orange. This evergreen shrub produces white flowers during early spring, which...

Citrus junos (Yuzu Citrus) fruit cut in half.
Most Popular

Citrus junos

Citrus junos (Yuzu Citrus) is a distinctive citrus tree prized for its aromatic fruit with a unique sharp flavour highly valued in cooking and...

Yellow 'Lemonade' Lemon fruit on a tree.
Most Popular

Lemon 'Lemonade'

The ‘Lemonade’ Lemon is a unique citrus variety producing sweet, refreshing fruit that can be eaten straight from the tree. Its flavour is...

From$299.92
Grapefruit 'Cutler's Red' orange fruit.
Most Popular

Grapefruit 'Cutlers Red'

Grapefruit 'Cutlers Red' produces good yields of large, deep orange, juicy fruit from winter through spring. The rind is thick but easily peeled. It...

From$343.89
Grapefruit 'Golden Special' yellow fruit with yellow flesh.
Most Popular

Grapefruit 'Golden Special'

Grapefruit 'Golden Special' is one of the most popular grapefruit varieties due to its large, juicy fruit, which is mostly seedless. The fruit ripens...

From$49.88
'Encore' Mandarin fruit.
Most Popular

Mandarin 'Encore'

Mandarin ‘Encore’ is a popular late-season variety that produces sweet, richly flavoured fruit with a thin, easy-to-peel skin. Harvested from late...

From$49.88
A 'Tahitian' Lime tree with green fruit and lush, green foliage.
Most Popular

Lime Tahitian

The 'Tahitian' Lime is a popular and quick-growing shrub that bears masses of medium-sized fruit that are juicy, strongly scented, and have that...

From$49.88
Citrus australasica

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Citrus or Finger Limes.

Search Citrus australasica

What is Finger Lime Caviar?

Finger lime caviar is the unique pulp of Citrus australasica, a native Australian rainforest shrub. The finger lime fruit is typically 6–12cm long with a slender, finger-like shape. When gently squeezed, its interior releases caviar-like juice vesicles that burst with a tangy lime essence. Chefs prize these pearls for their texture and vibrant presentation—often considered the "citrus caviar" of the culinary world.

Unlike more common citrus such as Lime Tahitian or Lime Key Lime, the finger lime’s caviar pearls offer an entirely new eating experience. These gems range in colour from pale green to deep pink or even red, depending on the variety, and can be used as a visually stunning, zesty topping for oysters, ceviche, cheesecake, or even sushi.

Growing Finger Lime Caviar in New Zealand

Citrus australasica thrives in well-drained soil and a sheltered, frost-free area—ideal for New Zealand's temperate climates. The shrub is hardy and adaptable, making it a rewarding addition to both home gardens and edible landscapes. Its compact size and thorny branches also make finger lime suitable for growing in large containers. For the best establishment, consider suitable Citrus Rootstock to ensure a healthy plant that bears plentiful fruit.

Incorporate finger lime into your citrus collection alongside exotic varieties like Citrus medica sarcodactylis or the cold-tolerant Citrus Flying Dragon. A diverse citrus garden not only offers a range of flavours but extends your harvest season.

Culinary Uses for Finger Lime Caviar

Finger lime caviar is a revelation in the kitchen. The pearls’ sharp acidity and aromatic oils make them a remarkable finishing touch for both savoury and sweet recipes. Sprinkle over seared fish, oysters, or scallops; stir into yoghurt or sorbet; or finish off a gin and tonic with a spoonful of citrus caviar. Feel free to experiment with other unique citrus like Citrus junos for a Japanese twist, or the sweet-tart Citrus Ugli Fruit.

Finger lime caviar is also increasingly used by bartenders for cocktails, where its pearls add both dramatic effect and refreshing flavour. Its versatility makes it a must-have ingredient for anyone interested in modern or fusion cuisine.

Add Finger Lime Caviar to Your Garden

Add a finger lime to your home garden and enjoy homegrown finger lime caviar for years to come. Explore our range of rare and exceptional citrus, such as Grapefruit 'Morrison's Seedless', Grapefruit 'Wheeny', and Lime Rangpur, and create an orchard that brings exciting flavours from around the world right to your backyard.

Grow your own finger lime caviar and discover why this extraordinary fruit is taking centre stage in gardens and kitchens across New Zealand.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews