Kaffir Lime Leaves

Posted on 10. Jan, 2010 by grace in Ingredients, Thai

Kaffir Lime Leaf is an essential aromatic herb for Thai cooking. Leaves grow in thorny pairs on the kaffir lime tree, which also bears a wrinkled dark green fruit. To prepare slice stacked leaves crosswise very finely and add to meat salads, curry pastes and fish cakes or simply crush when adding to soups and curries. Fresh kaffir lime leaves, properly stored in a plastic bag, stay fresh in the vegetable bin for about one week. Freeze for up to one year, with no need to defrost before using or dry if desired. Because this fresh spice is rarely available in local retail stores or markets, stocking up and freezing it is a good idea. Kaffir lime leaf is an antioxidant with cancer-preventing properties, being high in beta-carotene. It is one of the main ingredients used in Thai herbal compresses (used in Thai massage). Useful for the treatment of colds, congestion and coughs.