Fruit Logistica Innovation of the Year Innovation of the year: Australian citrus caviar

Innovation of the year: Australian citrus caviar

The winner of the FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award (FLIA) 2011 was chosen by the international industry experts. This year's award was presented for the citrus fruit Limeburst Fingerlimes (Finger Limeing Good, Australia). The finger lime is unique in that its juice is contained in vesicles similar to caviar. They burst when chewed and release a tangy lime flavour. The "citrus caviar" is also very attractive visually and is used as a decorative ingredient in food preparation. Chefs have been quick to recognise the fruit's potential. Finger limes are a wonderful complement to complex and simple dishes alike. They are available in four varieties: Limeburst Green, Limeburst Burgundy, Limeburst Pink und Limeburst Black. The colour of the citrus caviar is variety-dependant and may be bright green, deep red, pink or opaque. Introduced to the market in spring 2010, the fruit weighs 25-30 g. Following the awards ceremony Limeburst Australia Director James Boyd said, "It has taken 15 years to develop the product to this level of sophistication. The Innovation Award will help our business to gain further ground in the market".

This year's runners-up included herbs and vegetables from the Jamie Oliver "Grow Your Own" range (Gasa Group, Denmark) and the Almond Mushroom (Prime Champ, Netherlands), a variety with a distinctive nutty flavour.