Kaffir Lime Leaves

Kaffir lime leaves are a unique ingredient, they bring a savory, tangy, citrusy freshness to dishes that is difficult to replicate. They may be hard to come by depending on where you are located, and this has led to people asking if they can use substitutes like lemon or lime zest, or bay leaves. Unfortunately, these substitutes often fail to capture the unique flavour profile of kaffir lime leaves. The usage of these leaves also confuses some people. Unlike bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves are edible and often finely chopped and used in salads or eaten in dishes. However, whole leaves are typically removed before serving as they can be chewy and difficult to eat. A tip to get the most from your kaffir lime leaves is to infuse them in soups, stews, and curries in the early stages of cooking. Cooking slowly over a long period allows the flavors to fully infuse into the dish. In stir-fries or salads, adding them near the end of the cooking process or raw will let them maintain their fresh, zesty punch. One little-known trick is to crush or bruise the leaves before using them to release more flavor into your dish. Freezing kaffir lime leaves is an excellent way to preserve them, and they do not lose much flavor in the process. After defrosting, they are almost as good as fresh!