Kaffir lime

Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), also known as makrut lime or Mauritius papeda, is a citrus fruit native to tropical Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is used in Southeast Asian cuisine and its leaves are commonly used in Thai and Cambodian cooking. The fruit is rough and green, and the leaves are glossy and dark green.

Description

The Kaffir lime is a rough, warty green fruit that grows on a thorny bush. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and divided into two connected leaflets. The fruit is sour and has very little juice, but the zest is highly aromatic and is used in some food dishes.

Uses

The leaves of the Kaffir lime are used in many dishes such as soups and curries. The zest of the fruit is used in creole cuisine and to make marmalade. The juice is generally considered too sour to use in food dishes, but can be used as a cleaning agent and insect deterrent.

Cultivation

Kaffir lime trees are grown from cuttings taken from mature trees. They can be grown in pots and brought indoors in regions where the winter is harsh. They require full sun and well-drained soil.

Medicinal uses

In traditional medicine, Kaffir lime is used to promote oral health. The fruit's rind and crushed leaves are used in herbal medicine for oral care, while the juice and rinds are used in shampoo and health tonics.

See also

• Citrus taxonomy
• List of citrus fruits

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