Kaffir Limes

Kaffir limes are unique to common limes in their shape, texture, fragrance and flavor. Their appearance is memorably ovate with a rounded bottom and conical stem end. The peel is rough, pebbled and filled with essential oils that give the lime its trademark aroma. The juice of the flesh is extremely tart and often bitter, thus it is seldom used in cooking. The peel of the kaffir lime is its indispensable culinary attribute. The leaves of the Kaffir lime tree are also used as an aromatic in cooking. The kaffir lime’s intense, distinct fragrance cannot easily be substituted by other spices.