Central Queensland farm bursting with unique taste sensation

They have been held in high regard by Indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes for centuries, and now, this unique fruit bursting with flavour and character, is making itself known on the menus of restaurants on the Capricorn Coast.

Bearing the nickname ‘caviar limes’, the Australian native finger lime has found a 54ha home at The Salty Lime Co on Emu Park Road, sitting high in the hills overlooking the southern Great Barrier Reef.

Prized for their attractive internal colour and flavoursome juicy capsules boasting rich vitamin C qualities, this season’s awaited harvest of the slow growing stubby fingers was extremely successful.

The farm was established in 2013 by Roxanne and Luke Hinton who knew that the perfect sub-tropical climate of central Queensland would work in their favour when grafting the distinctive citrus.

“When we moved to the 300-acre block of land, we saw the potential of harvesting something on the nutrient-rich land, and thought: Why not finger limes?” Luke said.

“There is so much potential with this little antioxidant and they literally burst in your mouth, guaranteeing a taste explosion that is refreshing and memorable.

“They make for a great seafood or cocktail garnish, so in turn, we have been able to supply many Capricorn Coast restaurants with fresh local produce, providing their guests with a true farm to fork experience.”

The farm is a popular wedding venue and part of the Taste Capricorn Coast food trail, which was a Livingstone Shire Council and Capricorn Enterprise initiative funded by the Australian Government Bushfire Recovery fund, The Salty Lime Co joins 45 growers, makers, eateries, and retailers, in helping the local community to discover the finest produce the Capricorn Coast has to offer.

Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll was pleased to see more local food making its mark on local menus.

“Research has shown that 93% of travellers now seek unique and memorable food and drink experiences, and The Salty Lime Co, as part of Taste Capricorn Coast, is satisfying this need and highlighting the fresh produce that comes directly out of this region,” Ms Carroll said.

“Local food is now mainstream trend, with more people seeking fresh, local options and more restaurants sourcing locally grown ingredients.” 

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