What Is Kaffir Lime?

Characteristics

• Kaffir lime leaves and the peel from the lime fruit are aromatics used in Southeast Asian cooking, particularly in Thai dishes. The tree is small and shrubby and grows slowly to about 5 feet tall in a container. It has sharp thorns. The size of the leaves varies from less than an inch to several inches long. More mature leaves are a darker green and preferred for cooking.

Cooking

• The leaves impart a sweet, lemony scent and unique flavor to soups, salads, curries and stir-fried dishes. The peel is even more aromatic and is used in Thai curries, distinguishing them from Indian curries. The zest is an ingredient in fish cakes and spicy stews. The juice is considered too perfumed for delicate dishes, where it can overpower other flavors.

Growing

• In climates that are not tropical, grow kaffir lime in a pot outdoors in summer and take it indoors to a sunny window in fall to spend the winter. It needs six hours of direct sun, preferably morning or late afternoon, and regular applications of citrus fertilizer. Let the soil dry between waterings and then soak well. For best results, start with a mature plant in a 5-gallon pot. Watch for aphids, scale and leaf miners and treat immediately.

Other Uses

• In Southeast Asia, kaffir limes and leaves are an ingredient in household cleaners; they are considered a natural deodorizer. The juice, mixed with a few grains of detergent, is an effective natural bleach for removing stains. The juice is also used in shampoos, for brushing teeth and as an insect repellent. The essential oils are used in ointments.