Kaffir lime
Kaffir lime is a thorny Southeast Asian citrus tree, Citrus hystrix, cultivated for its aromatic leaves and bumpy green fruit.
Citrus hystrix: Citrus hystrix is a thorny citrus species native to tropical Southeast Asia, valued for its leaves and fruit. This is the botanical name for the tree commonly called kaffir lime.
Thai cuisine: Thai cuisine is the culinary tradition of Thailand, shaped by regional ingredients, techniques, and trade. Kaffir lime leaves are a characteristic aromatic ingredient in many Thai dishes.
Persian lime: The Persian lime is a nearly seedless, commercially important citrus fruit, Citrus × latifolia. Unlike this familiar smooth-fruited lime, kaffir lime has deeply bumpy fruit and especially aromatic leaves.
Citrus taxonomy: Citrus taxonomy is the classification of citrus plants, whose species and hybrids have complex relationships. Kaffir lime’s classification sits within a genus shaped by extensive hybridization.
Citrus: Citrus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs that produce aromatic fruits with leathery rinds. Kaffir lime belongs to this genus alongside lemons, oranges, and other citrus.
Tom yum: Tom yum is a Thai hot-and-sour soup typically flavored with herbs, citrus, and chili. Kaffir lime leaves help give this soup its fresh, citrusy fragrance.
Key lime: Key lime is a small, acidic citrus fruit produced by Citrus × aurantiifolia. Key lime is prized mainly for juice, while kaffir lime is cultivated chiefly for its leaves.
Rutaceae: Rutaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes citrus, rue, and numerous aromatic trees and shrubs. Kaffir lime belongs to this family of mostly aromatic plants.
Citrus leaf: A citrus leaf is the aromatic foliage of a tree or shrub in the genus Citrus. The tree’s leaves are used more widely in cooking than its fruit.
Indonesian cuisine: Indonesian cuisine comprises the diverse regional food traditions of the Indonesian archipelago. Kaffir lime leaves and zest appear in several Indonesian preparations.