Kaffir Lime

Common Name

A staple in Thai cuisine and folklore, Kaffir lime's refreshing aroma is said to revitalize the mind and ward off evil spirits. Native to Southeast Asia, Kaffir limes trees can reach 20 feet in height, producing dark green wrinkled lime fruits and shiny, highly frangrant, dark green leaves.

Both kaffir lime rind and kaffir lime leaves are used in cooking. The sour lime juice is used only occasionally. Both the rind and leaves have a citrusy lemon-lime smell and taste that while similar to conventional citrus, is entirely unique and redolent of Southeast Asian cuisine.

Purported Medicinal Qualities*

Kaffir limes are said to have many cleansing properties. The pulp is used to cleanse and remove product build-up from hair. It is also used to relieve dandruff and as a treatment for lice. It is a natural deodorizer and can be used to bleach tough stains from clothing and surfaces. Internally, Kaffir limes are said to cleanse the mouth and promote good oral health. The rind was used to ease digestion disorders and consumption of whole kaffir limes were thought to prevent scurvy.

Historically, kaffir lime has been used to:

• Cleanse teeth and gums and freshen breath
• Deodorize
• Bleach surfaces and clothing
• As an anti-bacterial
• Aid digestion
• As an astringent
• As a source of vitamin C

*Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming, inhaling or otherwise ingesting any non-prescription or prescription natural or homeopathic substance or pharmaceutical. ChefatHand.com is not recommending, suggesting, inferring or otherwise endorsing the use of any herb or spice as a medication.

Culinary/Suggested Use

Most commonly used in Thai cooking, Kaffir limes and leaves are added to soups, salads, curries and stir-fries. The rind is often a main ingredient in Thai curries, but should be used sparingly as it can easily overpower a dish. Add thinly sliced fresh kaffir lime leaves leaves to salads. Do not substitute whole dried leaves for fresh, but do experiment with the ground fragrant dried kaffir lime leaf powders that are newly available in select specialty stores.  Food for thought:

• Add whole or chopped kaffir lime leaves to soups, stocks and stews
• Store fresh kaffir lime leaves in the freezer, wrapped in plastic food wrap
• Add shredded kaffir lime leaves to any sort of fishcake for a refreshing kick
• Kaffir lime pairs beautifully with lemongrass
• Add finely shredded kaffir lime leaves to a cooked rice dish
• Add a kaffir lime leaf or two to the liquid used to cook rice or cold pasta salad
• Add sliced kaffir lime leaves or dried kaffir leaf powder to marinades
• Simmer kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass in simple syrup as a base for sorbets and cocktail mix

(Wine Pairing - Thai Cuisine)

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