Kaffir Lime or Ma-krut in Thai

The leaves, peel and juice of the Kaffir Lime are used as a flavouring in Thai cuisine. The leaves and peel contain a volatile oil. The major therapeutic benefit of the juice is as an appetizer.

This is similar to the common lime but has a knobby skin. The zest of the fruit is often used and the dark glossy green leaves from the tree impart a pungent lemony-lime flavor to soups, curries and other dishes. You can buy them fresh in Oriental stores. They keep well and can be frozen. Dried Kaffir limes are also available. Red Curry with Roasted Duck [Kang Phed Ped Yang] and Thai Steamed Curried Fish [Haw Mok] are thai recipes use this herb.