Kaffir lime leaves
Description
Kaffir lime leaves have an intense, fresh citrus aroma with floral notes and a subtle spiciness; they are thick, glossy, with a characteristic "double" shape resembling two leaves fused together, deep green in color with prominent veins that hide essential oils. In the kitchen, they work well in Asian dishes — tom yum soups, curries, marinades, sauces, braised fish, and poultry — used both whole (for flavoring) and chopped or crushed for a stronger scent; it should be noted that they have a tough texture and are often removed before serving. Nutritionally, the leaves are low in calories, containing trace amounts of vitamins and valuable essential oils (e.g., citronellal, limonene) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support digestion and have antibacterial effects. Fresh leaves should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp towel and in an airtight container for about two weeks; they can also be frozen whole or chopped with oil/water in cubes, while dried leaves lose some of their aroma.
