How to Create Finger Lime Caviar at Home (Fresh or Frozen Finger Limes)

Finger lime caviar, also known as lime pearls or citrus caviar, is the jewel-like pulp of the native Australian finger lime. Bursting with zesty citrus flavour and vibrant colour, these pearls add an elegant touch to seafood, cocktails, desserts, and more. Whether you're using fresh finger limes straight from the farm or frozen finger limes stored in your freezer, creating finger lime caviar is simple and only takes a few minutes!

What You'll Need:

 
• Fresh or frozen finger limes (defrosted if frozen)
 
• A rolling pin (or your fingers)
 
• A sharp knife
 
• A small bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Finger Limes

Fresh finger limes: Rinse them under cold water and pat dry.
Frozen finger limes: Allow them to thaw for 10–15 minutes at room temperature or rinse under lukewarm water to speed up the process.

2. Slice the Finger Lime

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the finger lime in half lengthwise (for longer pearls) or across the middle (for shorter pearls).

Tip: Cutting lengthwise often makes it easier to extract intact pearls.

3. Extract the Caviar

 
• Using a rolling pin: Place half a finger lime cut-side down on a clean board or plate. Gently roll the skin with a rolling pin to push out the caviar pearls. This method is great for minimal mess and works especially well with thawed frozen finger limes.
 
• Using your fingers: Simply squeeze or gently press the skin from the ends towards the centre to release the pearls into a bowl.

4. Serve or Store

Your finger lime caviar is now ready to use! For later use, keep the pearls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them in portions for up to 6 months.

Tips for Perfect Finger Lime Caviar

 
• Frozen pearls often release more easily than fresh, making them ideal for bulk preparation.
 
• Always handle gently to keep the pearls intact.
 
• For garnish, spoon the pearls directly on oysters, salads, or desserts just before serving.
 
• Pairing suggestion: Try them on top of freshly shucked oysters with a splash of lemon aspen vinegar or in cocktails and recipes for a burst of citrusy pop.

Why Use a Rolling Pin?

The rolling pin method is particularly handy if you're preparing a larger quantity of finger lime caviar. It allows you to release pearls efficiently without damaging their delicate structure—perfect for chefs, caterers, or home cooks prepping for events.

Shop Fresh & Frozen Finger Limes

Whether you prefer to enjoy them in-season or year-round, we have you covered.
👉 Order Fresh Finger Limes (harvested to order)
👉 Shop Frozen Finger Limes (snap-frozen for convenience)

Final Thoughts

Creating finger lime caviar is quick, fun, and instantly elevates your dishes with native Australian flavour. With just a rolling pin and a little pressure, you can enjoy these vibrant citrus pearls anytime—fresh or frozen! Explore more finger lime recipes and discover how to use this incredible native fruit in your kitchen.