Caviar Lime vs Regular Lime: What’s the Difference?

Your little finger is roughly the size of the Caviar Lime. When it is cracked open, hundreds of tiny, spherical "pearls" are inside, each bursting with a unique, delectable flavor.

The "pearls" maintain their texture and form. Caviar limes are comparable to traditional limes, just as royal jelly from bees is comparable to traditional honey.

1. Appearance: Texture and Form

The appearance of caviar limes and regular limes is one of the most obvious distinctions between the two.

• Caviar Lime: As the name suggests, finger limes are tiny, elongated fruits that are roughly the size of a finger. Slicing them open reveals tiny, fish roe-like vesicles known as lime caviar. These pearls add a textural dimension to food and beverages, popping in the mouth.
• Regular Lime: Regular limes, such as Persian or Key limes, are usually round or oval in shape, with soft, juicy flesh and a smooth to slightly bumpy skin. The juice is widely used in cooking and beverages, and is easily extracted.

2. Flavor Profile

Both fruits add acidity to food, but they taste slightly different.

• Caviar Lime: These have a sharp, tangy flavor that is bright and citrusy with a touch of bitterness. When bitten into, the tiny juice pearls provide flavor explosions that improve taste and experience.
• Regular Lime: A common ingredient in everything from guacamole to mojitos, regular lime is distinguished by its strong, zesty acidity. It is simple to incorporate into liquids or marinades and has a steady sourness.

3. Culinary Uses

Although both varieties of limes are used in cooking, their uses vary depending on the form and strength.

• Caviar Lime: The unique vesicles are perfect for adding a garnish to oysters, sushi, ceviche, cocktails, and desserts. Luxurious chefs adore using lime caviar to improve mouthfeel and presentation.
• Regular Limes:  Frequently found in baked goods, marinades, dressings, beverages, and sauces. Its juice and zest are staples in kitchens all over the world.

4. Nutritional Differences

In terms of nutrition, finger lime and regular lime are similar in that they are both high in flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamin C.

• Caviar limes: Caviar limes have been shown to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in micronutrients.
• Regular limes: They are also good for the skin, digestion, and immune system.

However, the nutritional impact is usually lower per serving because caviar limes are consumed in smaller quantities due to their size and cost.

5. Storage and Shelf Life

For such a delicate fruit, caviar limes are surprisingly resilient. They can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three weeks. Additionally, the pearls can be frozen and kept for a long time.

Ordinary limes keep for a week or so at room temperature and a little longer in the refrigerator.

 6. Availability and Price

Accessibility is one of the main differences between caviar limes and ordinary limes.

• Caviar Lime price: Caviar limes are a costly and highly regarded luxury ingredient, as they are only grown in a few select locations, primarily in Australia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. Depending on the season and place of origin, prices can vary from $60 to $120 per kilogram.
• Regular Lime Price: Grown worldwide, these are reasonably priced. All year long, you can find them at any grocery store.