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The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
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The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
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Description/Taste
Kaffir lime leaves are small to medium in size and oblong in shape, averaging 3-5 centimeters in diameter and 8-12 centimeters in length. The top of the thick leaves is glossy and deep green, while the underside of the leaves is porous and a pale, matte green. Kaffir lime leaves grow in pairs and grow in a double leaf formation, which means two leaves grow on either side of the stem and appear to mirror each other. There is a prominent central midrib or vein and the tips of the leaves can be slightly rounded or very pointed. Kaffir lime leaves have a strong citrus taste and aroma that is said to be a blend of mandarin orange, lemon, and lime.
Seasons/Availability
Kaffir lime leaves are available year-round.
Current Facts
Kaffir lime leaves, botanically classified as Citrus hystrix, grow on a thorny bush that can grow to be 1-10 meters in height and belong to the Rutaceae, or citrus family along with oranges, lemons, pomelos, and grapefruit. The kaffir lime plant is valued for its fragrant leaves and its fruit's peel and is popularly used in culinary and medicinal applications in Southeast Asia. Also known as the Kieffer lime, Bai Magrood, Thai lime, Limau Puru, and Makrut limes, Kaffir limes have been given new names in various cultures to respect and avoid the use of derogatory words. In South Africa, kaffir is an offensive slang word used in racist connotations, so many retailers have taken to calling the fruit by its scientific name, while others prefer the Thai word for the fruit, Makrut lime.
Nutritional Value
Kaffir lime leaves contain some antioxidants. They also contain limonene and citronellol, which both contribute to the flavor and fragrance of the leaves and have been shown to have antimicrobial properties.
Applications
Kaffir lime leaves can be used in both raw and cooked preparations such as boiling, steaming, and sautéing. They can be used fresh, dried, or from a frozen state and the thick leaves are never consumed whole, but rather steeped and later removed, or sliced very thinly. Kaffir lime leaves can be sliced and used in salads or shredded and used in fish cakes. They are also widely used in soups such as tom yum and hot and sour shrimp, curries, fried rice, pastes, and stir-fries. Their herbal citrus flavor can be used to infuse desserts such as custard and ice cream. Kaffir lime leaves pair well with lemongrass, basil, cardamom, curry leaves, mint, tamarind, turmeric, cumin, galangal, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, jasmine rice, meats such as lamb, chicken and pork, mussels, and coconut milk. They will keep up to two weeks when stored fresh in the refrigerator and up to one year when stored in a sealed container in the freezer.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Kaffir limes are widely used in Thailand as a household ingredient. Essential oils are extracted from the fruit’s peel and are used for cleaning products, shampoos, and as a method to kill lice. The fruit’s zest is used to flavor curries and soups, and the leaves are also crushed and used as potpourri or placed in a hot bath for a citrus aroma. Kaffir lime plants are so common and frequently used in Thailand that the majority of rural households have their own trees growing in their backyards.
Geography/History
The kaffir lime tree is native to tropical Southeast Asia and was spread to neighboring regions via exporters and trade routes. Today Kaffir lime leaves are available in fresh markets and frozen in specialty grocers in Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
The Cork and Craft | San Diego CA | 858-618-2463 |
Grass Skirt (Bar) | San Diego CA | 858-412-5237 |
Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
Fishery - Bar | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
Sorority Cuisine - Gamma Phi Beta | San Diego CA | 310-634-2371 |
Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
Waverly (Bar) | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
Orens Fine Foods | San Diego CA | 510-910-2298 |
Et Voilà! French Bistro | San Diego CA | 858-610-8784 |
Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | |
Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
Dija Mara | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
Craft and Commerce Bar | San Diego CA | 619-269-0288 |
The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
ALCE 101 | Solana Beach CA | 858-342-5495 |
Enclave | Miramar CA | 808-554-4219 |
Saffron Thai LLC | San Diego CA | 619-574-7737 |
Duke's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-1999 |
Sovereign Thai Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-887-2000 |
Barbusa | San Diego CA | 619-297-6333 |
Half Door Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-655-7459 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Kaffir Lime Leaves. One

Recently Shared
People have shared Kaffir Lime Leaves using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Tekka Wet Market
Near Singapore, Singapore665 Buffalo Rd. L1 Tekka Center Singapore 210666 About 602 days ago, 7/15/19 Sharer's comments : Kaffir line ![]() ![]()
Mitsuwa Marketplace - Centinela Blvd
Near Venice, California, United States3760 S Centinela Blvd Los Angeles CA 90066 310-398-2113 About 619 days ago, 6/28/19 ![]() ![]()
Murray Ranch Big Barn
Near Lamont, California, United States6700 General Beale Rd 661-330-0100 About 657 days ago, 5/21/19 Sharer's comments : On the tree!! |