Comparative phytochemical analysis of the fruits of four Florida-grown finger lime (Citrus australasica) selections

Abstract

Finger lime (Citrus australasica F. Muell.), a citrus species native to Australia, is a distinct finger-shaped fruit with unique caviar-like pulp and skin color variations. In addition to visual and sensory characteristics, finger lime has recently gained attention from the American citrus industry due to its tolerance to a devastating citrus disease, Huanglongbing (HLB). Here, we characterized the phytochemical profiles (including acid and sugar) of four Florida-grown finger lime selections: two with red pulp, one with pale pink pulp, and one with white pulp. Two-three-fold higher levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity were observed in the peel compared to the pulp in the four selections. Selections with red pulp had more antioxidant capacity and higher phenolic compound content in both types of tissues than in the selections with white pulp. Citric acid was found abundant in all four selections making the selections a major source of organic acid. The overall results suggested that finger limes are rich in health-benefiting and flavor contributing compounds; more specifically, Florida-grown red selections of finger lime are richest in phytochemicals, vitamin c, citric acid, and sugars among evaluated genotypes, therefore, making them strong alternative for production in Florida and consumption.