Kaffir lime

Kaffir Lime

Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix, pronounced: /ˈkæfər ˈlaɪm/), 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.

Etymology

The term "kaffir lime" is believed to have originated from the Arabic word "kafir", meaning non-believer, due to its introduction to the Middle East by non-Muslim traders. The term "makrut" is the Thai name for the fruit.

Description

The kaffir lime is a rough, green fruit. The green lime fruit is distinguished by its bumpy exterior and its small size (approx. 4 cm wide). The kaffir lime tree is of the Rutaceae family and is characterized by its double leaves, a trait it shares with other members of the Citrus genus.

Uses

The fruit, leaves, and oil of the kaffir lime are used extensively in Thai cuisine and Cambodian cuisine. The leaves and rind are frequently used in Lao cuisine and Indonesian cuisine. The juice and rinds are used in traditional medicine in some Asian countries as they are believed to promote oral health.

Related Terms

• Citrus
• Thai cuisine
• Cambodian cuisine
• Lao cuisine
• Indonesian cuisine
• Rutaceae

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Kaffir lime
• Wikipedia's article - Kaffir lime

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