Kitchen Dictionary: kaffir lime

The glossy, dark green leaves of the kaffir lime tree have a unique double leaf shape and a floral-citrus aroma. Grown in Southeast Asia and Hawaii, the kaffir lime tree produces small, pear-shaped citrus fruit with a skin that is bright yellow-green, bumpy and wrinkled. Dried kaffir lime rind and leaves can be found in Asian markets. Fresh leaves, which have a more intense aroma, are sometimes also available.

Zest is the colored portion of the rind of the orange, lemon, or other citrus fruits. It is NOT the underlying white, pith portion of the peel. Usually removed from the fruit by use of a grater or specially designed zester. To zest, is to remove this part of the fruit

plural: kaffir lime

Ingredient

Season: available year-round

How to select: Fresh leaves available in Asian markets, and can be purchased dried as well.