A Budgens store in Islington is claiming a UK first by stocking finger limes, dubbed 'citrus caviar'.

The fruit, supplied by IVG White, will be in store in time for Christmas, and Budgens says it could be rolled out nationwide if the trial proves successful. It is being sold at £4.99 per 100g punnet.

The fruit is native to Australia and has the shape and size of an adult finger and a bright skin, ranging from green, orange, yellow or red. The nickname stems from the fruit’s juicy pearl-like insides which, depending on the variety, can be beads of white, bright pink, lime green or yellow. When bitten into, the pearls have a tangy lime flavour.

Store owner Paul Gardner said: “I’m always looking for new and exciting products to offer to my customers, and am particularly excited about this unusual and distinctive fruit. As an independent retailer, we like to bring our customers new and interesting products.

Something this special is perfect for Christmas, I’ve tried it with champagne and it really enhances the taste, adding an extra flavour when you burst the pearls – ideal for a festive drink.”

IVG White added: “We’re extremely excited to supply this new fruit to Budgens for the first time. It’s currently produced in very small quantities, by niche growers, so will certainly make Christmas special for shoppers in Islington. We’re always looking to bring new products to the market and this is an excellent example, whereby working with Budgens, we can make this happen”.

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