Makrut Lime Tree

Makrut lime tree

What are Makrut Lime Leaves? Makrut Lime Leaves are also known as Kaffir Lime Leaves – a term that is offensive to some people. These leaves are used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking, they are leaves from the tree of the same name. They add an intense fragrant lime flavour wherever they are used.

Can you eat makrut limes?

Makrut limes are versatile and can be prepared easily for use in recipes. Unlike traditional limes, the flavor in the zest, juice and fruit of the makrut lime is very sour and is typically used as a spice. Use makrut juice and zest in dishes as delicate as fish, and as hearty as beef stews.

Is kaffir and makrut the same?

Makrut lime leaves (also known as kaffir lime leaves) have an intense fragrance that lend themselves perfectly to many Thai and southeast Asian dishes.

How do you grow makrut lime?

Makrut trees are tropical and need full sun. That means 6 to 8 hours of sun per day at minimum. The USDA hardiness zone range for these trees is small, ranging from 10 to 12. Kaffir lime leaves produce in high temperatures easily.

What is the nickname for makrut lime?

The Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC., Rutaceae), also known as kieffer lime, makrut or magrood, is a citrus fruit native to Indonesia.

What is makrut lime used for?

Makrut lime leaves are the Asian equivalent to bay leaves. They can be added whole to Thai curries, soups, and stir-fries (and removed before eating the dish), and can also be cut up into very thin slivers and added to spice pastes or used as a topping in a variety of recipes.

How long do makrut lime leaves last?

If you plan to use the leaves soon, you can simply pop them in a bag or container and store them in the crisper draw in the fridge. Stored in this way, they will stay good for up to one week. But if don't plan to use the leaves right away, they also freeze very well.

When should you not use limes?

Discard your lime if:

There's visible mold. Limes typically go moldy after you cut them up, but if the rind is heavily bruised, it might grow mold too.
It's super soft, shriveled, or slimy. ...
Browned skin. ...
It's cut and stored for more than 4 to 5 days.

What does the word Makrut mean?

In some Asian countries the term means “non-believer”. This word is now considered to be generally offensive and a racial slur, and consequently in future writings, I have adopted the name used in Thailand “Makrut” as Thailand is one country whose cuisine is well known globally, and uses these leaves copiously.

What is a substitute for makrut lime?

Lime Zest While the fragrance isn't as intense and complex, lime zest is the closest common ingredient to lime leaves. Substitute about 1/4 teaspoon lime zest for 2 makrut lime leaves.

Can you eat kaffir lime fruit?

While less common, the zest and rind of kaffir limes are used in some Southeastern dishes and in Cambodia, they even candy the entire fruit to enjoy as a treat.

Can you eat kaffir lime leaves?

You see, kaffir limes themselves are nothing like the limes we use to cook Thai food or garnish fruit cocktails. Resembling small, wrinkled, green brains, kaffir limes are far too bitter to eat. On the other hand, kaffir (makrut) lime leaves are entirely edible and extremely delicious!

Can kaffir lime tree survive winter?

Kaffir lime trees are cold sensitive and need to be protected from frost. Therefore, these plants should be brought indoors during winter if they are grown outside. They enjoy indoor temperatures around 60 degrees F. (16 C.) or above, especially during winter months.

Where should kaffir lime trees be placed?

Like all citrus, kaffir limes need a deep, freely draining, well-composted soil. Year-round full sun is important in cooler areas because winter shade encourages leaf drop. Slightly acidic soil and shelter from storms improves performance. They can be planted any time of year.

Do lime trees need special soil?

Lime trees enjoy a good-draining rich soil. Although they prefer sandy loam soil, they can tolerate other soil types except for salty soil and heavy clay soil. Too much water will kill your lime tree and too little will do just the same.

What do Mexicans call limes?

However, for the most part in Mexico, a lime is referred to as a “limón” and lemon is called a “lima”. Unfortunately, there is no distinction between a larger lime and what in English we would call a “key lime”. They are all referred to as limón.

What do Hispanics call limes?

In Spain, historically people have called limes limones verdes, or green lemons; in Mexico the term is limon or lima, depending on the person.

Why are limes called Persians?

Persian limes were first grown on a large scale in Persia (now known as Iran) and southern Iraq. The trees are propagated clonally, by grafting or air layering. Persian limes are commercialized primarily in six sizes, known as 110s, 150s, 175s, 200s, 230s and 250s.

What do farmers add lime to soil?

Agricultural lime helps lower the soil's acidity levels by rendering it more pH neutral. By applying lime to the soil when it becomes too acidic, farmers can ensure they are helping improve their crop output. If crops can't properly grow, they can't produce, which impacts the agriculture business and its bottom line.