Interview: Vickie from Marvick Farms gives insight into Archie Rose’s latest Harvest Series release

Last month, Archie Rose officially launched Emerald Finger Lime Harvest Gin as the fifth instalment of its Harvest Series. For this release, the Sydney-based distillery partnered with Mark Andrew and Vickie Shina of Marvick Native Farms, Western Australia, where they grow and individually handpick a large selection of native Finger Limes subspecies.

For this interview, Drinks Trade recorded a recent chat between Archie Rose and Vickie Shina:

Archie Rose: Finger Limes have had a huge moment recently, appearing more prevalent across the Australian culinary landscape. What do you think it is about native Finger Limes that makes them so unique?

VS: The Australian Finger Lime is unique. There is no other fruit like it in shape, flavour varieties and their unique poppy little flavoursome vesicles - Citrus Caviar.

AR: You’ve spoken before about how the growing environment at Marvick Farms has a coastal influence on the produce, how does the Emerald Green Finger Lime thrive in such environments? Does this produce a more intense flavour? How/does this flavour differ from the limes we’re all familiar with?

VS: Finger Limes grown at Marvick produce different characteristics than the eastern states because of the climate, soil conditions and grafted rootstock. This can produce variations in flavour and colour intensities.

AR: Can you speak to the harvesting process for Emerald Green Finger limes? Are there any particular conditions they require?

VS: The harvest process is extremely memorable. The Emerald Green variety has excessive nasty thorns!!! They are literally a pain as the fruit is hand-picked. Welding gloves required!! They are by far my least favourite when it comes to harvest.

AR: How many varieties of Finger Limes do you grow at Marvick Farms, and do you have a favourite variety?

VS: We grow 5 varieties and are looking to add 2 more commercial varieties. Current varieties include Rainforest Pearl, Rainforest Jade, Byron Sunrise, Judy's Everbearing and the Emerald Green. Rainforest Pearl is our favourite because of the mix of pink and white vesicles. The colour contrasts look so pretty in a glass of gin and tonic.

AR: Where do the different names come from?

VS: The Finger Lime (Citrus australasica) are usually named according to location plus lime characteristics. Rainforest Pearl, Rainforest Jade, Rainforest Garnet all come from the same rainforest location. Jade - a green lime, Garnet - red lime etc.

AR: Can you speak to the importance of Australian makers utilising native, local ingredients grown here on home soil?

VS: Australian native / grown products are unique and different. They produce flavours found no were else on the globe.

AR: What is your favourite way to use Emerald Green Finger limes?

VS: I would think some emerald green caviar-like vesicles dancing in the emerald green gin and tonic would be pretty special and one I can’t wait to taste.

AR: In your experience, is there anything that pairs particularly well with emerald green finger limes?

VS: The Emerald Green limes pairs with most Asian dishes. Just a sprinkle of bubbles on top of the dish to add that zingy burst of flavour.

AR: Is there a certain uniqueness that Marvick Farms Finger Limes have over others here than anywhere else in Australia?

VS: Finger Limes grown at Marvick produce different characteristics than the eastern states because of the climate, soil conditions and grafted rootstock. This can produce variations in flavour and colour intensities. We at Marvick are also aware of certain fungal spays' impact on the distilling process. We are fortunate that this is a dry season for us and have no need to spray during the fruit development. Our fruit is free of chemical sprays.

AR: How does seeing your produce featured in the Emerald Finger Lime Gin and broader harvest series make you feel, how does it reflect your ethos?

VS: We feel that Archie Rose is a part of and an extension of us. We go back many years before the time of the ‘Big Still’. ARD was using Red Centre then I introduced Sunrise Limes to Dave. I remember receiving a call asking if I grew finger limes. He had been playing with some finger limes from somebody's backyard. We discussed the huge variety of finger limes and that there was a vast difference in the flavour profiles of various finger limes. We then provided the 5 different varieties that we grew for Dave to play with and see which variety produced the best flavour. I was lucky enough to be in Sydney and met with Dave to taste the outcome. It was an interesting experience as the outcome was not as I had expected. I didn’t expect the Emerald Green to be the shining star. It was great working with Dave and I felt we were part of the process of collaborating to make a great product.