Kaffir lime leaves come from the citrus hystrix plant, which is native to Southeast Asia. It is known as kaffir lime, Makrut lime, Thai lime or Mauritius papeda. In South Africa, “Kaffir” is a highly charged racial slur that refers to black Africans.
Where can I get kaffir lime leaves?
You can buy kaffir lime leaves from Vietnamese or Asian food stores. Some Chinese food stores also sell these leaves. You can find these leaves usually with other dried herbs, in the freezer section, or with other fresh produce.
Are bay leaves the same as kaffir lime leaves?
Bay leaves are one of the best kaffir lime leaves substitutes. They are just as pungent as the kaffir lime leaves and often used in savoury dishes. However, don’t expect too many notes of citrus, because it’s a very different taste! The bay leaves are more floral than citrusy.
What should you call kaffir lime leaves?
Other common names are: Indonesian lime leaves. kaffir lime leaves. lime leaf.
How do you grow kaffir lime leaves?
How to grow Kaffir Limes in a garden
- Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil.
- Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball.
- Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down.
- Mulch around the base with organic mulch like woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
Are curry leaves the same as kaffir leaves?
2. Kaffir Lime Leaves (Makrut Lime Leaves) Kaffir and curry leaves have such a similar taste you can’t tell them apart. Kaffir lime leaves offer citrus notes to cooked dishes and they work wonders for soups, rice, curry, and stir-fries.
Can you substitute lemon leaves for kaffir lime leaves?
If you want the same flavor without doing anything special, you should try any of these best substitutes for Kaffir lime leaves: lemongrass, lemon thyme, curry leaves, dill, or bay leaves. Depending on the dish you’re cooking, any substitutes can be adequate or preferable.
What do kaffir leaves taste like?
Kaffir lime leaves are an aromatic Asian leaf most often used in Thai, Indonesian and Cambodian recipes. They have a spiced-citrus flavour which is a lot lighter and zestier than a bay leaf or curry leaf. Perfect for lifting a coconut-based broth or fragrant fish curry.
Can you eat regular lime leaves?
Most commonly, fresh, whole lime leaves are added to flavor dishes like curries and soups, similar to how bay leaves are used. But they can also be sliced very thinly and added raw to salads and other fresh dishes. There are also dried leaves in whole or powdered forms.
Can I substitute curry leaves for lime leaves?
Just use the same amount of kaffir lime leaves as you would curry leaves. For example, if the recipe calls for 5 curry leaves, you should use 5 kaffir lime leaves, adding more if you wish depending on your personal preferences.
Are bergamot and kaffir lime the same?
The main difference between bergamot and kaffir lime is that bergamot is the size of an orange and has a yellow or green color similar to a lime, while kaffir lime is green in color, round in shape, and has a thick rind that is knobby and wrinkled.
What does a kaffir lime tree look like?
Description. The Kaffir Lime Tree has a distinctive double-lobed, glossy, deep green leaves that look like two leaves joined together and with one growing at the tip of the other. The fruit of this citrus tree is dark green in color and unlike any other fruit with a bumpy rind.
Is kaffir lime easy to grow?
Despite the fact that Kaffir lime trees are tolerant of less than ideal conditions, there are specific needs that should be met for optimal growth. Kaffir limes prefer full sun in moist, well-drained soil. If grown indoors, keep near a sunny window.
How big does a kaffir lime tree grow?
Kaffir limes will reach 1.5 metres (5′) tall, but because the leaves are constantly being picked for cooking, the plants usually remain small in size. They also make good pot specimens. The leaves of the Kaffir lime are an essential ingredient of many Thai recipes, including green curries, fish dishes and soups.
What can I substitute for kaffir leaves?
If you don’t have access to fresh kaffir lime leaves, use the zest of a lime to add a fresh, citrus flavour to your dish. Other substitutes include Persian limes (also known as a Tahiti lime, or a seedless lime) or lemon zest.
What is curry leaves called in English?
The curry tree (Murraya koenigii), also known as karivepallai, karivembu, karivepaku or kadipatta, is a kind of tree. It is found mostly in hot climates, and is a native plant of India.
| Curry tree | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Murraya |
| Species: | M. koenigii |
Is kaffir lime same as lime?
Are Kaffir Limes and Limes the Same? No. Kaffir limes are known more for their leaves while regular (western) limes are used more for their zest and juice. The skin of the kaffir limes is warty and it doesn’t give a lot of juice.
How do you store lime leaves?
If you plan to use the leaves soon, you can simply pop them in a bag or container and store them in the crisper draw in the fridge. Stored in this way, they will stay good for up to one week. But if don’t plan to use the leaves right away, they also freeze very well.
Can you make tea with lime leaves?
3. Tea Made From Kaffir Lime Leaves and Lemongrass. Kaffir lime leaf tea is good for promoting oral health. It’s also good to drink when you have a cough or a headache.
Can I use lime leaves from my tree?
Lime tree leaves are edible! Ideally, the main rib is removed, then the leaves are stored in the fridge or freezer before using them. Fresh lime leaves are popular in many Southeast Asian dishes including Thai hot and sour soup, Tom Yum soup, and beef rendang.
Is basil a curry leaf?
I discovered that the Lemon Basil is what we call the ‘curry leaf’. Lemon basil (Ocimum africanum) is also called Thai lemon basil, Hoary basil or lao basil. It has that sweet fragrant lemon or citrus scent that we associate with ‘curry leaves’. Like the curry leaves, Lemon basil also produces white flowers.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.