Lime Tree (Citrus hystrix) Kaffir Lime

Product Information

The double leaves of the tree are another unique feature. They have a strong spine and are usually bright and glossy green. But the most curious thing about the kaffir lime is the fruit. Unlike other lime species, this one is heavily dimpled with a green surface that turns yellow when it’s fully ripe. It’s not as juicy as your regular lime you get at the store, but the flavors are exceptionally unique and make for a great garnish for your drink. Suresh, Anuja; Velusamy, Sangeetha; Ayyasamy, Sudha; Rathinasamy, Menaha (2021). "Techniques for essential oil extraction from makrut lime and its application in health care products—A review". Flavour and Fragrance Journal. 36: 5–21. doi: 10.1002/ffj.3626. S2CID 226314486.

Also, remove diseased or dead branches that look dark brown below the bark. At the bottom, you can remove the tiny sprouts to save for propagating new saplings. Even the branches growing towards the trunk need removing. Fertilizing of Kaffir Lime Tree Let’s discuss what could be your new favorite potted plant, or even your favorite tropical to cultivate in the southern United States.

How to Grow Kaffir Lime in the Garden

We hope this article answers all your questions about how to grow and use the leaves, flowers, and fruit of makrut lime trees! Inspect the roots of the tree and make sure they are loose and in good condition. Cut away entangled ones. You will see faster results growing from propagation than from seeds, in that you can harvest leaves within a year this way. It will still be around the ten year mark before you can harvest the fruit though. It is important to note that kaffir limes are horrible to eat! Way too bitter for the palate, but the rind is useful in Asian cuisine. We have a little guide on drying herbs available here, including how to dry kaffir lime leaves.

The most likely etymology is through the Kaffirs, an ethnic group in Sri Lanka partly descended from enslaved Bantu. [9] The earliest known reference, under the alternative spelling "caffre" is in the 1888 book The Cultivated Oranges, Lemons Etc. of India and Ceylon by Emanuel Bonavia, who notes, "The plantation coolies also smear it over their feet and legs, to keep off land leeches; and therefore in Ceylon [Sri Lanka] it has also got the name of Kudalu dchi, or Leech Lime. Europeans call it Caffre Lime." [9] [10] Similarly, H.F. MacMillan's 1910 book A Handbook of Tropical Gardening and Planting notes, "The 'Kaffir Lime' in Ceylon." [9] [11] No, makrut limes ( Citrus hystrix) and Bergamot orange ( Citrus bergamia) are not the same plant. Bergamot oranges are a hybrid between lemons and bitter orange. Their fragrant fruit is about the size of a standard orange, featuring a yellow/green lime-like color, varying based on ripeness. a b " Citrus hystrix". Flora & Fauna Web. National Parks Singapore, Singapore Government . Retrieved 13 August 2018. [ dead link]The glossy, dark green leaves of the Kaffir lime tree are quite distinctive. Kaffir lime leaves look like two leaves joined together, as one appears to grow from the tip of the other. Kaffir lime leaves are most often used as an essential ingredient for flavouring many Asian dishes such as soups, curries and fish. a b c d e f Anderson, L. V. (3 July 2014). "Is the Name Kaffir Lime Racist? Why You May Want to Think Twice About Using That Term". Slate Magazine . Retrieved 1 May 2021.

Even the fruit rinds add an aromatic flavor when you use them in a curry base paste. You also find the citrus fruit in rums. Furthermore, the skin helps repel insects like lice, fleas, and mosquitos. You can find it in essential oils used in aromatherapy. How much water do makrut lime trees need each day? It depends on the season and the maturity of the plant.Anecdotally, we can attest to the joy and awe we and our friends and family have experienced when squeezing a ripe makrut lime, thus releasing a mist of essential oils and their accompanying indescribable aroma. Makruts are an incredible plant and we’re happy to have one in our potted home citrus orchard! Henderson, John (capt. 78th Highlanders.) (1868). Skeet, Ch. J. (ed.). The History of the Rebellion in Ceylon During Lord Torrington's Government: Affording a Comparison with Jamaica and Governor Eyre. University of Minnesota. p.58 . Retrieved 31 May 2021. {{ cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list ( link) If you cannot bring your tree inside, you can cover the kaffir lime leaves with a frost cloth. Temperatures below 50° can result in your tree stunting flowers and fruit production. Pruning Kaffir Lime Tree Kaffir Lime trees are readily available for sale from online suppliers and retail nurseries. Kaffir Limes Trees – Care and Cultivation Grew up in Florida and know all those tropical fruits. I love it when people try to grow exotic tropical plants outside of their temperature zone.

We have left our makrut tree outside when temperatures dipped into the low 40s/upper 30s °F (about 4°C) and it did fine. However, we doubt it would do fine if forced to endure sustained cold temperatures in that range. Are makrut lime trees self-fertile, e.g. self-pollinating? Although these trees are native to tropical southeast Asia, it’s very easy to cultivate them outside that region. With a little shifting in the colder seasons, you’ll have kaffir lime all year round. Alternately, skip that outdoor growing altogether and grow kaffir lime indoors. If growing makrut lime trees in-ground, they prefer nutrient-rich, but well-draining soil. Ideally, amend your soil with compost prior to planting. Apply a 3″ layer of mulch around the tree (being careful not to pile mulch against the trunk) to help suppress weeds while improving soil fertility and soil moisture. We grow a dozen varieties of citrus and each is unique. Using words to describe the differences in flavors between a blood orange, China orange, and satsuma doesn’t do the fruits justice. Likewise, words don’t adequately convey the unique flavors of makrut lime leaves, flowers, and fruit. Flavor is a far richer experience than words, so you just have to try them! 3. How do you store makrut lime leaves? Can you freeze makrut lime leaves?Let’s talk about the basic needs and growing conditions for your kaffir lime trees. You’ll have a delectable harvest of kaffir lime leaves all year long. Sun and Temperature D.J. Mabberley (1997), "A classification for edible Citrus (Rutaceae)", Telopea, 7 (2): 167–172, doi: 10.7751/telopea19971007 Besides being used for Asian dishes, Kaffir limes are said to promote oral health, help in detoxifying blood, improve skin and hair health, help with digestion, and possibly decrease inflammation. Kaffir limes have a high concentration of alkaloids, limonene, nerol, citronellol, and other organic compounds which are beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.