Kaffir Lime

Kaffir limes, also known as makrut limes, are a unique and aromatic citrus fruit primarily used in Southeast Asian cuisine. They are small, rough-skinned limes with a bumpy texture and dark green colour. The fruit itself is quite tart and often not as juicy as other lime varieties. However, it's the zest and the leaves of the kaffir lime that are most valued for culinary purposes. Kaffir lime leaves are highly fragrant, with a distinctive, aromatic citrus flavour that is essential in many Thai, Indonesian, and other Southeast Asian dishes. The limes are rich in essential oils, particularly in the skin and leaves, contributing to their intense fragrance.

Kaffir limes are rarely eaten fresh due to their tartness and relatively low juice content. Instead, the zest and leaves impart a strong citrus flavour to various dishes. Finely grate the outer green skin to use the zest, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. The zest can be added to curries, soups, marinades, and dressings. Kaffir lime leaves are typically used whole or sliced thinly. To release their flavour, bruise the leaves slightly before adding them to your dish. They are commonly added to soups, curries, and stir-fries and are usually removed before serving. The juice, although not widely used due to its tartness, can be added in small quantities to dishes that require a strong citrus note.

Kaffir limes are incredibly versatile in Southeast Asian cooking. The zest can add a fragrant citrus flavour to curries, soups, and stir-fries. It is also used in marinades for meats and seafood and in dressings for salads. Kaffir lime leaves are an essential ingredient in dishes like Thai Tom Yum soup, Thai green curry, and Indonesian rendang. They add a unique aroma and flavour that is difficult to replicate with other ingredients. The leaves can also be used in rice dishes to impart a subtle citrus fragrance.

Additionally, kaffir lime zest and leaves can be used in making herbal teas and infusions. While the juice is not commonly used due to its extreme tartness, it can be added sparingly to dishes that require a strong citrus flavour. Kaffir limes also have applications outside of cooking, such as in natural cleaning products and aromatherapy, thanks to their robust and refreshing fragrance.