Finger limes

Information on current partnerships and research activities with the finger lime growers.

Assessing the performance of finger limes in the Northern Territory

Finger limes are a native Australian plant common to Queensland and New South Wales. They produce fruit with individual vesicles described as “citrus caviar” which are currently popular as a garnish

for food and drinks. The report “new opportunities 2020: the next wave”, lists finger limes as a new and emerging crop with the potential for growth in Australia given the boutique, visual appearance, and possibilities for citrus growers to diversify into this plant.

The crop has consistently high market prices between $20-77 per kg in the Australian domestic markets (AusMarket 2020 data). These plants are being utilised by existing Australian citrus growers, as a way to diversify their product with a crop that has a similar agronomy, however they are not currently an industry in the Northern Territory, and it is unknown whether a Queensland rainforest plant will adapt to the Northern Territory conditions.

Funding body

This project is internally funded.

Objectives

  1. To assess the suitability of 7 finger lime varieties in Top End environmental conditions and inform local industry about the viability or otherwise of this emerging crop.
  2. To engage with the current Tropical Exotic Fruit and Citrus industry in the Northern Territory, building relationships and facilitating information exchange.
  3. To develop basic, local grower information on the agronomy of growing finger limes in the Top End.

Useful links

Contact

chelsea.moore@nt.gov.au


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