Emmy's Garden
Fresh -- from our garden to your kitchen!
Contact Us
We welcome
your questions!
Email Us:
EmmysGarden
@gardener.com
your questions!
Email Us:
EmmysGarden
@gardener.com
Uses for Kaffir Lime
In tropical Thailand, almost every home in the countryside has a Kaffir Lime tree in its yard. The leaves are precious to many Thai dishes, from soups and salads to curries and stir-fried dishes. Both the exceptionally fragrant fruits and leaves of the kaffir lime tree play important roles in Thai cooking, imparting the exquisite aroma and flavor that have become identified with Thai cuisine. There is no adequate substitute for Kaffir Lime!
Although Kaffir Lime is at the heart and soul of Thai cooking, it can serve many other uses as well. The lime juice can be used as an effective bleach to remove stubborn stains (while adding an amazing scent!). Kaffir Lime shampoo is said to invigorate the scalp and leave hair clean and shiny. The juice of Kaffir Lime is used as a home health remedy and is said to improve gum health when used with each tooth-brushing. The essence of the rind is thought to be good for the blood, and beneficial to the digestive system. Kaffir Lime juice is also used as an ingredient in hand lotions, because of the softness it brings to skin.
Using and Storing
Kaffir Lime leaves can be used whole or torn in broths, stews, and soups. Simply toss in as you would a bay leaf, then remove before serving. Place several leaves in a chicken while roasting. When using for salads and stir-fries, cut them into very fine slices. Try stacking several leaves on top of each other and using a sharp knife to slice off very thin slivers. This is the best method for releasing the full fragrance and flavor of the leaves.
The zest of the Kaffir lime rind is used in many Thai dishes, including curries and fish cakes. The zest should be used sparingly, as it can overpower other flavors. Each scratch of the Kaffir rind releases its wonderful fragrance into the air.
Freshness can be maintained for a week or two when refrigerated. Both the leaves and the lime itself freeze well, and will retain flavor for several months if kept in a plastic zip bag. This keeps Kaffir Lime handy whenever you need it. Simply take out what you need, and return the rest to the freezer!
(Adapted from http://www.harvestfields.netfirms.com/CookBooks/spice/kaffir_lime.htm)
Bravenet.com