Grower
Seasons/Availability
Grown locally in California, Kaffir Limes are available in spring with a peak season in fall.
Current Facts
Though the leaves are the most prized part of the Kaffir Lime tree, the knobbly fruit is often sought after for its fragrant zest and bitter juice. In San Diego, Robert and Helene Beck are whom Specialty Produce consults for all things "Kaffir".
Description/Taste
Just about the size of a Western lime with a characteristic neck on the stem end, kaffir limes are encased in a seriously pebbly skin, the reason it is sometimes referred to as the "porcupine orange". The peel of this dark green unique fruit is loaded with aromatic oils unlike any other citrus, the deliciously tangy reason chefs revere this culinary delight to add its wonderfully piquant flavor to a variety of their specialty dishes. The kaffir lime's extremely intense and distinct fragrance cannot easily be substituted by other spices making it even more special. Seldom used in cooking, the very sour juice releases the same aroma as the leaves.
Applications
Kaffir lime peel adds a deliciously unique flavor to a variety of savory dishes. A must for flavoring authentic Thai curries. Add its fresh spunky zest to perk up fish cakes. Enhance spicy chili, soups and stews. Easily overpowering, use sparingly. Finely chop or grate. A mortar and pestle work well to tame the robust flavored rind to desired taste. To store, keep at room temperature. Refrigerate for longer storage. Freeze whole fruit in freezer bags. Grate rind as needed from frozen lime; return to freezer. The leaves may be frozen as well.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
South East Asian countries use the kaffir lime to cleanse the hair and scalp. First boiled until soft, the fruit's pulp is thoroughly rubbed into the hair and left on thirty minutes to two hours. Once cleansing is complete, the pulp is washed away.
Geography/History
Native to regions of Southeast Asia, Kaffir lime trees provide both fragrant fruit and leaves that are synonymous with Thai cuisine. In fact, a kaffir lime tree can be found in the yard of nearly every countryside residence in Thailand. Not only indispensable in Thai cooking, especially curry pastes, this special fruit is prized for its exceptional cleansing properties. Native to that region, many South East Asian countries also have high regard for its flavorful culinary virtues. Indonesian cuisine uses it but to a lesser extent. Kaffir limes, Citrus hystrix, are also known as Kieffer limes, Thai limes, Combavas, Makrut limes and wild limes.
Featured Recipes
Recipes that include Kaffir Limes. One
is easiest, three is harder.
