Kaffir lime
A citrus fruit used in cuisine, perfumery, and traditional medicine.
Citrus hystrix, commonly known as the kaffir lime, Thai lime, or makrut lime, is a citrus fruit native to tropical Southeast Asia. Its fruit and leaves are used in Southeast Asian cuisine, and its essential oil is used in perfumery. The rind and crushed leaves emit an intense citrus fragrance.
- native_range
- tropical Southeast Asia
- height
- 2 to 11 metres (6 to 35 ft)
- fruit_size
- approximately 4 cm (2 in) wide
- key_aroma_compound
- (-)-(S)-citronellal (up to 80% in leaf oil)
- toxicity
- contains furanocoumarins causing phytophotodermatitis
Lore & Background
The most likely etymology of the primary common name 'kaffir lime' is through the Kaffirs, an ethnic group in Sri Lanka partly descended from enslaved Bantu. of India and Ceylon, which notes that Europeans called it 'Caffre Lime'. Another proposed etymology is from Indian Muslims of the imported fruit from non-Muslim lands to convey otherness. Claims that the name derives directly from the South African ethnic slur 'kaffir' are not well supported. In the Dutch Cape Colony (today part of South Africa), the Arabic kafir was adopted by Dutch colonists as 'kaffir', an ethnic slur for Bantu peoples. In reaction, some authors have favored 'makrut lime', a lesser known but more neutral name. In South Africa, it is usually referred to as 'Thai lime'. The fruit is known by various names in its native areas, including jêruk purut in Javanese, limau purut in Malay, makrud or makrut in Thailand, and combava in Réunion Island.
Reader's Guide
The kaffir lime is significant for its widespread culinary use across Southeast Asia, particularly its leaves in Thai, Cambodian, Indonesian, and Vietnamese cuisines, and its rind in Lao and Thai curry pastes. Its essential oil is used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and cosmetic products. The fruit's juice and rind are used in traditional medicine in some Asian countries, and the juice is employed as a cleanser for clothing and hair. The compound responsible for its characteristic aroma, (-)-(S)-citronellal, is found in leaf oil up to 80 percent. The fruit peel contains an essential oil comparable to lime fruit peel oil, with main components limonene and β-pinene. The plant contains furanocoumarins, which can cause phytophotodermatitis upon external use. The micrantha, a similar citrus fruit native to the Philippines, could represent the same species as C. hystrix, but genomic characterization has not been performed in sufficient detail for a definitive conclusion.
Did You Know?
- The compound responsible for the characteristic aroma, (-)-(S)-citronellal, is contained in the leaf oil up to 80 percent.
- The fruit contains furanocoumarins, which can cause phytophotodermatitis.
- The city of Cabuyao in the Philippines is named after the fruit, known locally as kabuyaw or kulubot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kaffir lime?
Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), also called Thai lime or makrut lime, is a citrus tree indigenous to tropical Southeast Asia. It grows to roughly 2–11 metres tall and bears small fruits about 4 cm wide.
What are Kaffir lime's powers or role?
Both the fruit and the intensely fragrant leaves are workhorses in Southeast Asian cooking, while the extracted essential oil feeds the perfumery trade. The leaf oil is dominated by (S)-citronellal, which can reach up to 80% of its composition and is responsible for that sharp citrus punch.
How does Kaffir lime's story end?
In a recipe, kaffir lime usually makes its final entrance at the very end—crushed leaves are tossed into a curry or soup just before it hits the table so the volatile oils don't cook away. As a living plant, it simply continues as a perennial tree in tropical gardens and wild groves.
Why is Kaffir lime important to the community?
It bridges three fields—cuisine, perfumery, and traditional medicine—making it one of the most multi-purpose citrus species in its native range. The fact that both fruit and leaf are used in cooking sets it apart from most other citrus varieties.
What should fans watch out for when handling Kaffir lime?
Its rind and leaves contain furanocoumarins, compounds that can cause phytophotodermatitis—painful blistering—once the exposed skin is hit by UV light. Wearing gloves while cutting or crushing the leaves is the standard safety tip in the fan community.
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