Kaffir Lime Leaves
Citrus hystrixClinical Encyclopedia
Kaffir Lime Leaves provides 50 kcal, 2g of protein, 12g of carbohydrates, and 5g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'A', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.
Kaffir lime leaves are aromatic leaves from the Kaffir lime tree, known for their unique flavor and fragrance, commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Complete Micronutrient Breakdown
Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.
Vitamins
Minerals
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Kaffir lime leaves can be used fresh or dried, often added to soups, curries, and stir-fries for enhanced flavor.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose vibrant green leaves that are firm and fragrant. Avoid yellow or wilted leaves.
Store in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer preservation.
Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds
Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.
Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
May help in reducing stress and improving mood.
"Kaffir lime leaves are often used in traditional Thai cooking and are a key ingredient in dishes like Tom Yum soup."
Myths vs Realities
Healthy Recipes
Kaffir Lime Leaf Infused Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad infused with the aromatic flavors of kaffir lime leaves, mixed with colorful vegetables and a zesty dressing.
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 4 cups water
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a pot, bring water to a boil and add quinoa and torn kaffir lime leaves; reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy.
- 2. Remove from heat, discard the kaffir lime leaves, and let quinoa cool.
- 3. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, and cilantro. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
Kaffir Lime Leaf Coconut Curry
A creamy coconut curry featuring kaffir lime leaves, packed with vegetables and served over brown rice for a healthy meal.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
- 2 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1. In a large pan, heat coconut oil over medium heat and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- 2. Add coconut milk, torn kaffir lime leaves, curry powder, and vegetables; simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- 3. Season with salt and serve over cooked brown rice.
Grilled Chicken with Kaffir Lime Marinade
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a fragrant kaffir lime leaf mixture, perfect for a healthy summer barbecue.
- 4 chicken breasts
- 3 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a bowl, mix chopped kaffir lime leaves, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- 2. Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- 3. Grill chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
Kaffir Lime Leaf and Avocado Smoothie
A creamy and nutritious smoothie blending avocado with the unique flavor of kaffir lime leaves for a refreshing drink.
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- 1. In a blender, combine avocado, spinach, chopped kaffir lime leaves, banana, almond milk, and honey or maple syrup.
- 2. Blend until smooth, adding ice cubes if desired for a chilled drink.
- 3. Serve immediately in a glass.
Kaffir Lime Leaf and Ginger Tea
A soothing herbal tea made with fresh kaffir lime leaves and ginger, perfect for digestion and relaxation.
- 4 cups water
- 5 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish
- 1. In a pot, bring water to a boil and add torn kaffir lime leaves and sliced ginger.
- 2. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- 3. Strain into cups, sweeten with honey if desired, and garnish with lemon slices.
Kaffir Lime Leaf and Shrimp Stir-Fry
A quick and healthy shrimp stir-fry featuring the zesty flavor of kaffir lime leaves and colorful vegetables.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add shrimp; cook until pink and opaque.
- 2. Add bell pepper, snow peas, chopped kaffir lime leaves, soy sauce, and lime juice; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- 3. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Kaffir Lime Leaf and Mango Salsa
A vibrant and fresh mango salsa with kaffir lime leaves, perfect as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1. In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped kaffir lime leaves.
- 2. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt; mix well.
- 3. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with grilled proteins.
Kaffir Lime Leaf and Sweet Potato Soup
A creamy and comforting sweet potato soup infused with the unique flavor of kaffir lime leaves.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- 2. Add diced sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, and torn kaffir lime leaves; bring to a boil and simmer until sweet potatoes are tender.
- 3. Blend the soup until smooth, stir in coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper before serving.
Kaffir Lime Leaf and Cucumber Gazpacho
A refreshing cold soup made with cucumber and kaffir lime leaves, perfect for hot summer days.
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a blender, combine cucumbers, bell pepper, onion, chopped kaffir lime leaves, vegetable broth, and olive oil.
- 2. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
- 3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are kaffir lime leaves used for?
They are primarily used in cooking for their unique flavor, especially in Southeast Asian dishes.
Can you eat kaffir lime leaves?
While they are edible, they are usually used for flavoring and removed before serving.
How do you store kaffir lime leaves?
Store fresh leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.
Are there any health benefits to kaffir lime leaves?
Yes, they are rich in antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties.
Can I use dried kaffir lime leaves instead of fresh?
Yes, but use less as dried leaves are more concentrated in flavor.
Where can I buy kaffir lime leaves?
They can be found in Asian grocery stores or specialty markets.
What do kaffir lime leaves taste like?
They have a unique citrus flavor with a hint of floral notes.
How do I prepare kaffir lime leaves for cooking?
Rinse them, then tear or chop them to release their oils before adding to dishes.