(Photo from source 1, see "Sources")
A certain citrus with low amounts of juice(1) native to Asian locales as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand(2) is known as the Kaffir lime in North America (Note: "kaffir" is derogatory in some areas as it was a word for people of color or slaves). Although similarly sized to familiar Western limes, the leaves and rind are what are used more for culinary uses because the flesh inside is, again, not very juicy(1). The flavor is described as "tart" and "pleasant" - leaves and rind are quite potent to where they may overwhelm food if one is not careful(2). They are used in such Asian dishes as soups, curries, fish(1), and sauces(2) - plus they are full of many beneficial compounds for internal and other uses(2):
The essential oil and/or juice is used to help eliminate pathogens in the blood, as a salve or lotion to ward off most bug bites, topically for discomfort in inflammatory conditions as gout and arthritis, for hair, and in cosmetics and toothpastes. Leaves are rubbed into gums for antibacterial properties and also used in hair and topical use. Decoctions are used with various gastrointestinal issues, constipation, and indigestion. The oil, however, is not recommended for direct consumption and is best diluted(2).
Sources:
1. Tilley, Nikki. "Care Of Your Kaffir Lime Tree." Gardening Know How, updated 5 March 2018, web 29 July 2019, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lime/care-of-your-kaffir-lime-tree.htm.
2. Staughton, John, "9 Surprising Benefits of Kaffir Lime." Organic facts: Let's Get Healthy Together, 29 June 2019, https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/kaffir-lime.html
A certain citrus with low amounts of juice(1) native to Asian locales as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand(2) is known as the Kaffir lime in North America (Note: "kaffir" is derogatory in some areas as it was a word for people of color or slaves). Although similarly sized to familiar Western limes, the leaves and rind are what are used more for culinary uses because the flesh inside is, again, not very juicy(1). The flavor is described as "tart" and "pleasant" - leaves and rind are quite potent to where they may overwhelm food if one is not careful(2). They are used in such Asian dishes as soups, curries, fish(1), and sauces(2) - plus they are full of many beneficial compounds for internal and other uses(2):
The essential oil and/or juice is used to help eliminate pathogens in the blood, as a salve or lotion to ward off most bug bites, topically for discomfort in inflammatory conditions as gout and arthritis, for hair, and in cosmetics and toothpastes. Leaves are rubbed into gums for antibacterial properties and also used in hair and topical use. Decoctions are used with various gastrointestinal issues, constipation, and indigestion. The oil, however, is not recommended for direct consumption and is best diluted(2).
Sources:
1. Tilley, Nikki. "Care Of Your Kaffir Lime Tree." Gardening Know How, updated 5 March 2018, web 29 July 2019, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lime/care-of-your-kaffir-lime-tree.htm.
2. Staughton, John, "9 Surprising Benefits of Kaffir Lime." Organic facts: Let's Get Healthy Together, 29 June 2019, https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/kaffir-lime.html
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