Content
Kaffir lime is a bright representative of citrus plants. The tree gained its popularity among gardeners for its dark olive, shiny foliage, beautiful, fragrant flowering and beneficial properties. Due to the large amount of vitamins, microelements and essential oils, fresh and dried leaves are widely used in cooking. It is impossible to cook Asian dishes without them. Because of their delicate aroma, fresh leaves are used in the preparation of salads, soups, main courses, cocktails and desserts.
Where does kaffir lime grow?
India is considered the birthplace of the plant; in natural conditions, the tree reaches 2-4 m. Citrus kaffir lime has several names: papeda quillum, makrut, kaffir lime, bergamot, kaffir lime and kaffir sorghum. Due to its beneficial properties, in 1818 kaffir lime was brought to Asian countries, where it was widely used in cooking. Today, kaffir lime can be found in Indonesia, the Philippine Islands, Africa and America. In Russia, kaffir lime is grown as a houseplant.
Description of kaffir lime
Kaffir lime is a medium-sized tree with dark emerald, shiny leaves. The hourglass-shaped leaf blade is very aromatic and, like many citrus fruits, is covered with spines. The length of the foliage can be from 2 to 10 cm.
At home, kaffir lime blooms at the end of winter with snow-white flowers with a pronounced aromatic, citrus note. After flowering, the Kaffir lime produces wrinkled, olive-colored fruits. The riper they are, the yellower the peel becomes.
Kaffir lime leaves and fruits have a strong odor that is different from other citrus fruits. It's like a combination of lemon, tangerine and lime, with delicate floral notes. The full citrus aroma is revealed when the leaves are crushed.
Small fruits are not used for food, as their taste is sour and bitter, and the pulp is not juicy. In Asia, the fruits are collected and used to produce household chemicals.
Beneficial features
Kaffir lime leaves contain vitamins and microelements, so they can cure many diseases. They include:
- ascorbic acid – increases immunity, improves regeneration and metabolic processes, strengthens gums and protects the body from infections and viruses;
- retinol – necessary for vision, to maintain healthy skin, nails and hair;
- tocopherol – slows down the aging process, improves blood circulation, normalizes hormone production;
- potassium – improves heart function and strengthens blood vessels;
- selenium – improves the functioning of the thyroid gland, eliminates harmful free radicals, inhibits the aging process;
- manganese – heals cuts, improves cerebral circulation, normalizes blood sugar, removes harmful cholesterol, toxins and waste;
- phosphorus – strengthens teeth and skeletal system.
Uses of kaffir lime leaves
Kaffir lime is a small tree with fragrant, healthy leaves. The citrus plant kaffir lime has found wide application in medicine, cooking and cosmetology.
In cooking
Fresh, frozen and dried leaves are used in cooking. It is added to salads, sauces, drinks, soups, meat and fish dishes. To prevent fresh foliage from losing its aroma, it is necessary to prepare them first. There are 2 ways:
- The leaves are washed, the midrib is removed and placed in a stack of 3-4 leaves. Using a sharp knife, cut into small strips.
- The leaf is cut into 2 parts, the central vein is removed and the halves are folded together. The folded leaves are rolled into a tube and cut into half rings.
Dried whole kaffir lime leaves are used as a seasoning for soups and sauces. Kaffir lime leaves reveal their full citrus aroma in soups and porridges cooked with coconut milk. When adding to meat and fish dishes, you can use finely chopped dried leaves.
Kaffir lime wood leaves are indispensable for preparing Asian dishes.The citrus aroma will be a reminder of warm days, giving the dish a subtle taste and an unforgettable touch. Popular Asian dishes made from kaffir lime are presented below.
Tom Yum Kung soup
For preparation you will need:
- coconut milk and vegetable broth - 250 ml each;
- kaffir lime – 3 leaves;
- ginger root – 70 g;
- king or Argentine shrimp – 100 g;
- champignons – 4-5 pcs.;
- fish sauce – 1 tbsp. l.;
- garlic – 2 cloves;
- hot pepper – 1 pc.;
- vegetable oil – 3 tbsp. l.;
- spices - optional.
Preparation:
- Mushrooms, peppers, ginger root are peeled and cut into thin slices.
- Prepared products are fried in vegetable oil until golden brown.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pan and bring to a boil. Add kaffir lime leaves and salt.
- After 5 minutes, add fried vegetables and spices, boil over low heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Next add fish sauce and peeled shrimp.
- After a few minutes, add coconut milk.
- After boiling, the soup can be poured into bowls, not forgetting to remove the kaffir lime leaves.
Pangasius in Asian style
To prepare you need:
- fish fillet – 0.5 kg;
- lime – ½ fruit;
- kaffir lime – 3-4 leaves;
- basil – 1 sprig;
- star anise – 2 pcs.;
- cayenne pepper – 1 pc.;
- soy sauce – 0.5 tsp;
- sesame oil – 2 tsp;
- spices - optional.
Cooking method:
- Peel the lime, squeeze out the juice, and grate the zest on a fine grater.
- Pepper, star anise, kaffir lime leaves and basil are ground in a mortar.
- Citrus juice and zest are added to the aromatic mixture. Pour in oil, soy sauce and mix thoroughly.
- Pangasius fish fillets are washed and dried on a paper towel.
- The fish is coated with sauce on both sides and wrapped in foil.
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C, lay out the fish and cook for 20-30 minutes.
To keep kaffir lime leaves flavorful and healthy, you can freeze or dry them. Before freezing, the leaves are thoroughly washed and dried. They are then stacked and placed in freezer bags. Frozen spice can retain its aroma and beneficial properties for 2 years.
In order to dry kaffir lime leaves, they are washed under running water, laid out on a paper towel and put out to dry in fresh air, protected from direct sunlight. The dried spice is transferred to a linen bag and stored in a dry, dark place.
In medicine
To enrich the body with vitamins, increase immunity and maintain vitality, it is not necessary to prepare medicinal infusions, tinctures, extracts and decoctions from kaffir lime leaves. Sufficiently fresh or dry foliage can be added to the diet.
Kaffir lime leaves are often used in folk medicine. They are capable of:
- increase acidity;
- eliminate insomnia;
- rejuvenate the skin by removing toxins and waste;
- support the immune system and quickly restore the body after illness;
- relieve pain and nervous tension;
- lower blood sugar and remove bad cholesterol.
In cosmetology
In the East, due to its rich aroma and beneficial properties, kaffir lime citrus leaves are added to a variety of creams, shampoos, and lotions.Cosmetics are prescribed:
- for acne;
- to smooth out wrinkles;
- to give the skin a healthy glow and elasticity;
- to get rid of seborrhea;
- to strengthen nails;
- to eliminate pigmentation of freckles.
Contraindications for use
Like any exotic product, kaffir lime can harm the body. Before consuming the fruit, you need to know the contraindications. Citrus kaffir lime is not recommended to be given to:
- children under 10 years of age, since leaf juice improves the production of gastric juice and can lead to inflammation and internal bleeding;
- pregnant and lactating women, the introduction of a new product may adversely affect the health of the child;
- with exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
- people with food allergies - a large amount of vitamin C, which is contained in kaffir lime leaves, can cause an allergic reaction, including anaphylactic shock.
When purchasing kaffir lime, you need to know what it looks like, so in order not to make a mistake in choosing, you need to look at the photo.
How to replace kaffir lime leaves
Dried and fresh kaffir lime leaves are often used in culinary preparations. Rarely, the aromatic seasoning can be purchased on the shelves of Russian stores, therefore, to obtain an identical taste and smell, kaffir lime can be replaced with the following ingredients:
- Bay leaf, lemon zest and citrus thyme - to prepare the seasoning, mix half of the crushed bay leaf, ½ tsp. lemon zest and citrus thyme.The prepared seasoning is suitable for preparing soups, French fries, meat and fish dishes.
- Citrus leaves – if fresh kaffir lime citrus leaves are not available, you can mix crushed lime, grapefruit and lemon leaves in equal proportions. The seasoning will not have a strong aroma, so it is added to dishes in larger quantities.
How to grow kaffir lime at home
To have fresh foliage on hand all year round, kaffir limes can be grown at home. After purchasing a plant, you need to give it proper care. It consists of timely pruning, watering, fertilizing and maintaining temperature and humidity conditions.
Lighting – kaffir lime is a heat-loving plant and prefers bright, diffused light. The best location would be the east or west side. For good development, a citrus plant needs 12 hours of light.
Depending on the time of year, kaffir lime requires a certain temperature regime:
- in the spring-summer season, the temperature should be within + 25-30 °C;
- in the autumn-winter period + 20-25 °C.
If the temperature is maintained, kaffir lime will grow quickly, bloom and bear fruit profusely.
For good development, citrus kaffir lime requires high air humidity throughout the year. To increase humidity:
- carry out daily spraying with warm water;
- once every 2 months a warm shower;
- An air humidifier is installed next to the plant;
- The pots with the plant are placed on moistened expanded clay.
Main agrotechnical measures:
- Watering. Kaffir lime needs regular watering, without stagnation of moisture. Irrigation is carried out with warm, settled water after the top layer of soil has dried out.During hibernation, watering is reduced to 3 times a month.
- Top dressing. For better growth and development, once every 2 weeks, kaffir lime is fed with liquid fertilizers intended for citrus plants. The fertilizer is diluted and applied strictly according to the instructions. To prevent the root system from getting burned, kaffir lime is shed generously before feeding.
- Trimming. The first crown shaping is carried out immediately after purchase. The main stem of the plant is shortened, allowing side shoots to develop. The next year, shoots are pruned to 1/3 of their length. In subsequent years, sanitary pruning is carried out and branches growing deep into the crown are removed.
- Transfer. Young kaffir lime is transplanted annually into a new larger pot using the transshipment method. An adult plant is transplanted only after roots appear from the drainage holes.
If agrotechnical rules are not followed, insect pests often settle on kaffir lime: spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs. The first signs of the appearance of insects:
- stop in growth and development;
- the foliage becomes deformed, dries out and falls off;
- plaque on the ground part of the plant;
- the appearance of dark or gray spots on the leaf plate;
- the appearance of a thin web;
- There is a massive shedding of foliage.
You can get rid of insect pests by using broad-spectrum insecticides.
Conclusion
Kaffir lime is a healthy, citrus plant that can be grown at home. By following simple rules of care, you can get a beautifully flowering, fragrant tree with original fruits. Due to the high content of essential oils, the leaves are often used in cooking. They are added to soups, fish and meat dishes, desserts and cocktails.
