What Are Dried Kaffir Lime Leaves?

Cultural Background

• Native to Southeast Asia, kaffir lime leaves and the rind of the kaffir lime fruit are incorporated into the cuisines of many Asian cultures. Kaffir lime leaves are particularly important in Thai, Malaysian, Cambodian, Sri Lankan, Indian and Balinese cooking. According to "Asian Ingredients: a Guide to the Foodstuffs of China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam" by Bruce Cost, Thai culture holds that washing your hair and skin with the kaffir lime juice and crushed fresh leaves keeps evil spirits at bay.

Qualities

• Dried kaffir lime leaves are shiny and green, though less so than fresh leaves. The dried leaves may look similar to bay leaves, but the taste is not the same. Unlike many other citrus fruit trees, only the leaves and the rind of the fruit from the kaffir lime tree are used in cooking. The leaves and rind are full of volatile oils that lend their distinct flavor to savory dishes in Southeast Asia. They lend a strong, tangy and floral citrus taste that blends well and provides an excellent contrast in rich curries and meat dishes.

Uses

• Dried and fresh kaffir lime leaves are used frequently in soups like Thai hot and sour soup or coconut soup. Dried leaves may also be used to lend a contrasting citrus flavor to stir-fries, curries, sauces and marinades for grilled meats. In soups and in braising liquids for meats, the dried leaves may be added whole like bay leaves. As the "Handbook of Spices Seasonings, and Flavorings" by Susheela Raghavan describes, the flavors of kaffir lime leaves pair well with ginger, garlic, mango, coconut and hot chili peppers.

Medicinal Uses

• Because they are rich in volatile oils and contain a high level of citronella, kaffir lime leaves may be useful as a natural insect repellent. These oils may also help open nasal passages and relieve congestion, making kaffir lime leaves a welcome addition to chicken soup when you're feeling under the weather. Kaffir lime leaves are also high in cancer-fighting antioxidants and rich in beta-carotene. They are often added to herbal compresses used in Thai massage.