How to use Kaffir Lime?

Have you ever tried Kaffir Lime? This unique citrus is definitely the spice of the moment, and is the ideal spice to add to fresh summer recipes! Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or a wellness enthusiast, our comprehensive guide to Kaffir Lime will enlighten and inspire you.

The Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), also known as Makrut lime, is a small citrus fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. It has a bumpy, green skin and distinctive double-lobed leaves that are widely used in various culinary and traditional practices in the region.
The Kaffir lime has a long history dating back centuries in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and surrounding countries. It is believed to have originated in Indonesia and was then spread throughout the region through trade and cultural exchanges.
In our Kampot Farm, we harvest both the leaves and the fruits to make the most of this incredible citrus and create as little waste as possible!

Ah, the culinary wonders of Kaffir Lime! Its leaves, like no other, impart a distinct tangy and citrusy flavor to Khmer dishes, whose unique flavor cannot be easily substituted with other lime varieties. In bustling kitchens across the region, chefs and home cooks alike rely on this prized citrus to infuse soups and stews with their magic.

Kaffir Lime Leaves are highly valued in Southeast Asian cuisine for their aromatic flavor and intense citrus fragrance. They are an essential ingredient in many dishes, such as curries, and salads, where they add a distinct citrusy note.
The fruit itself, with its bumpy skin and green color, is less commonly used in cooking due to its tart and slightly bitter taste.
However, its zest is also used to infuse dishes with the Kaffir Lime’s distinct aroma.

At La Plantation, there’s 3 different ways to enjoy Kaffir Lime : Our Kaffir Lime Leaves, that are crushed to be sprinkled easily, our Zest, crushed as well, and our Citrus Mix, that is a ready-to-use spice blend made of the Kaffir Lime Leaves, as well as Kampot Pepper and Flower of Salt, as well as other spices!

Leaves and Zests can be used on savoury as well as sweet recipes and are very versatile, and our Citrus Mix is ready-to-use, perfect to take with you on holiday, to sprinkle on roasted fish, BBQ skewers, raw melon slices, salads.

– Citrusy Ceviche: One of our favourite summer staples, especially if you are spending time by the sea, is to recreate this seabass ceviche recipe. So refreshing and full of flavours!

– Kaffir Lime and Mint Lemonade: Enhance your classic lemonade recipe with the flavors of kaffir lime and mint. In a pitcher, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, Kaffir Lime Zests, chopped mint leaves, a little bit of sweetener of your choice if needed, and water, still or sparkling, and serve over ice.

– Khmer-inspired Kaffir Lime Coconut Curry: Create a delectable vegetarian, meat, or fish curry by sautéing vegetables with Kaffir Lime Leaves, our ready-to-use Khmer Red Curry, and coconut milk. The fragrant blend of spices and the citrusy aroma will tantalize your taste buds.

– Kaffir Lime Salad Dressings: Add a twist to your regular salad by incorporating this unique citrus into the dressing. Whisk together some olive oil, lemon or lime juice, Kaffir Lime Zest, a touch of honey, mustard, salt, and pepper. You can add it to a wholesome quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, to give it a zesty twist!

– Kaffir Lime Pesto: Prepare a traditional basil pesto but add a bit of Kaffir Lime to the mix. Blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, Kaffir Lime Leaves, and Zests until smooth. Use this pesto as a sauce for pasta, grilled vegetables, or a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

– Kaffir Lime Seafood Skewers: For a taste of Southeast Asia, create seafood skewers using shrimp, scallops, or white fish. Thread the seafood onto skewers and brush them with a glaze made from a mixture of our Citrus Mix and olive oil. Grill the skewers until the seafood is cooked through and slightly charred. This also works very well with poultry!

– Kaffir Lime Yogurt Dip: Make a simple and refreshing dip by mixing plain yogurt with a teaspoon of Kaffir Lime Zests, a squeeze of lime juice, Kampot Flower of Salt, and a bit of freshly-ground Kampot Pepper. This dip goes well with fresh-cut vegetables, chips, or as a cooling accompaniment to spicy dishes or BBQ skewers.

– Citrusy Melon: And for a sweet touch, you can sprinkle our Citrus Mix or our Kaffir Lime Leaves on top of raw melon, or watermelon slices, it’s divine!

– Ricotta-Mango and Kaffir Lime Zests: For a fresh and healthy dessert, follow this recipe conceived by Season Suppers to surprise your guests this summer.

Beyond culinary purposes, Kaffir lime has been used in traditional medicine and cultural practices in Southeast Asia.
Essential oils extracted from its leaves are sought after for aromatherapy, known to soothe the mind, relax the soul, and relieve stress. Kaffir Lime is also believed to possess antioxidant properties, aiding in boosting the immune system and promoting overall well-being.

Know that you know everything about this unique citrus, it’s time to experiment on your own, and create your own unique Kaffir Lime recipes!