The kaffir lime may not be the most beautiful fruit, but its importance in Southeast Asian cooking (especially Thai recipes) cannot be overstated.
The kaffir lime is also known as kieffer lime, makrut, or magrood. It is a citrus plant with very pungent leaves, that are actually more important than the fruit itself in SE Asian and Thai cooking. The green lime fruits are recognized by their bumpy exterior and their typically small size. The leaves a distinguished by their hourglass shaped leaves.
The very fragrant fruits and leaves of the kaffir lime tree are incredibly important in Thai cooking, providing a unique flavor that lovers of the cuisine instantly recognize. The lively fragrance and delicious flavor of the leaves is truly one-of-a-kind. In fact, kaffir lime leaves cannot be really be replaced with any other type of citrus leaves. The flavor is so important that anyone following a Thai recipe should take the time to find and use them as their special characteristics are irreplaceable.
In most part of Thailand, the kaffir lime is so beloved that almost every person's home in the countryside has at least one tree growing in their yard. And they use the bounty from their trees for more than simply as a great flavor enhancer in their cooking. Kaffir lime is also used as a very effective cleaner, cleanser, and natural deodorizer. The fruit and leaves add a sparkling scent, like a fragrant bouquet of citrus blossoms. Even a small scratch of the lime zest releases a roomful of refreshing perfume.
The Kaffir Lime Store serves to promote the use of authentic kaffir limes and kaffir lime leaves. We wish to provide some of our favorite Thai recipes and links to trusted sources of kaffir lime, leaves and related information.
