Commercially young but boasting multiple culinary uses, Australian fingerlimes (Citrus australasica) are breaking ground outside specialty restaurants into consumer markets. Many savour them as wholesome table fruits while others enjoy them as  juicy extracts or pies. Now, thanks to the Australian Native Fingerlimes Alliance (ANFA), this exotic fruit is slowly bursting out of its commercial infancy. Through consumer information and worldwide distribution, it is only a matter of time before it turns into a global sensation.

To learn more about its uniqueness and commercial possibilities, Selina Wamucii reached out to Chip Saint, Director at ANFA.

Chip first divulges about what has changed knowledge about fingerlimes, given their uniqueness to Australia.

“As a native fruit, fingerlimes have been used by indigenous Australians for millennia. Commercial fingerlime production however is around 20 years old in Australia. The unique nature of fingerlimes has captured the imagination of chefs around the world and it is this recognition that has ignited interest in fingerlimes.

“In Australia, the use of fingerlimes in television programs such as Masterchef has been very useful in introducing fingerlimes to a wider audience.”

And where do these delectable fruits grow in Australia?

“Fingerlimes grow all around Australia although the majority of the orchards are located on the east coast of Australia,” says Chip.

Given the suitability of fingerlimes to Australia’s temperate climate, ANFA affiliates grow them 100% organically?

“ANFA growers are independent growers. Not all grow fingerlimes organically. Many grow fingerlimes ‘spray free’ or ‘chemical free’. Few pests attacks fingerlimes so weed spraying is probably the biggest component of any chemical usage in Australia for fingerlime production. Regardless of whether growers are organic or conventional, ANFA supports all Australian growers of fingerlimes.”

The director also discerns that many markets outside Australia hold much promise for fingerlimes.

“Any large consumer market would hold promise. Limiting factors to export markets from Australia are distance and phytosanitary protocols.” 

He ends by underpinning that Australia’s fingerlimes still have a long road till they can reach peak world demand. 

“ANFA believes that the fingerlime market is only in its infancy. The biggest hurdle is one of educating the consumer as to fingerlimes, their benefit, and how to access them.”

A Note on ANFA 

ANFA is a collaboration that combines growers, researchers and others committed to the propagation and production of the native fruit. The alliance safeguards long-term leadership by Australia in all areas involving this native fruit. You can log on to ANFA’s website (australianfingerlimealliance.com.au) to read all the latest on this wonderful native Australian product.