The finger lime, or Citrus australasianus, stands out. It is unlike the round shape of common citrus fruits. Its long shape is why it got its name.
Finger limes look like jalapeños or small gherkin pickles. Other citrus fruits have fleshy pulp. Finger limes hold tiny juice-filled balls. These balls burst out when the fruit is cut open. They are firm and pop in your mouth when chewed. Some compare it to citrus caviar.
Finger limes grow on small, thorny shrubs. Some say it is not a true citrus. They believe it is related to Microcitrus.
The fruits are usually 4 inches long. Their diameter is about 1 inch. The inside is fleshy with a caviar-like texture. The juice balls come in colors like green, red, yellow, purple, and even black. This makes them appealing to chefs.
Finger limes grow slowly. They start to bloom in late fall. Blooming stops by the end of summer.