Kaffir lime leaves

Description

Kaffir lime leaves are dark green, glossy, and characteristically arranged in pairs, with an intense, concentrated citrus-floral aroma and a subtle bitterness. Their flavor adds a fresh, lime note to dishes, more oily and intense than lime juice itself. From a nutritional standpoint, they contain essential oils (source of compounds such as citronellal), vitamin C, and antioxidants; traditionally, they support digestion, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and may alleviate stomach discomfort. In the kitchen, kaffir leaves are indispensable in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine: they are added to soups (e.g., tom yum), curries, pastes, marinades, and fish and poultry dishes, used whole, crushed, or finely chopped, often removed before serving. Fresh leaves are stored in the refrigerator in a damp towel and airtight bag for about 1–2 weeks; they can also be frozen (or preserved as a paste), which retains the aroma well, while dried leaves lose some of their fresh, citrus intensity.