Makrut Lime Leaves


Makrut Lime Leaves
Makrut lime, or or Citrus hystrix, is also known as Indonesian lime, wild lime, or Thai lime. Both the rind of the fruit and the leaves are used. The fruit is a dark lime green in color and looks like a pear with a knobby, wrinkled outer rind. The juice of the fruit is sour and rarely used. The grated zest is added to curry pastes, fish cakes and larp (a type of minced meat salad). Makrut Lime Leaves are a signature flavor of many Thai curries, salads, soups and stir-fries.
Makrut Lime Leaves have a shiny appearance and these leathery leaves grow together in an unusual attached form (looking like they are attached at the stem). Similar in use to bay leaves, whole makrut leaves are generally removed from the dish prior to serving. If you are going to leave them in a dish you should shred them very, very thin or grind them. They do retain their flavor when cooked so it is okay to add these early in the cooking process. But be careful with these, as the longer they are in a dish the more flavor they provide.
History and Cultivation
Makrut Lime is very popular in Balinese, Cambodian, Malaysian and Thai cuisine. Native to Southeast Asia, Makrut Lime is also grown in Australia, California and Florida. Our Makrut Lime Leaves are grown in Thailand.
When and Where to Use
Makrut Lime leaves go well with fish, green vegetables, mushrooms, noodles, pork, poultry, rice and squid.
Makrut Lime leaves pair well with basil, chile peppers, cilantro, coconut milk, fish broth, galangal, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, mango, sesame and star anise.
The rind and the leaves are both used in Indonesian and Malaysian chicken and fish dishes. The fresh rind is grated or sliced; but be sure not to use any of the pith, as it is very bitter. The dried rind can be reconstituted much like a dried chile and then added to a dish.
These leaves are used in Thai and Lao cuisine in dishes such as tom yum. In Vietnam, makrut leaves are used in chicken dishes to add fragrance and also to cover up the smell when steaming snails.
Flavor Profile
Like many spices, the dried leaves and the dried rind are not nearly as fragrant as the fresh. The zest is bright with bold citrus notes, while the leaves have a strong, floral and pungent aroma with hints of both lemon and lime. The upfront citrus flavor is aromatic and bold and tends to stick around for a while.
Helpful Hints
Some of our most popular Southeastern Asian spice blends include our Chinese Five Spice, Satay and Spicy Thai Seasoning.
If you're a fan of Thai cuisine or if you're looking for some of our more popular Thai inspired recipes then you'll want to check these out - Chicken Fried Rice with Lime and Makrut Leaves, Thai Basil Chicken Soup, or if you prefer vegetarian these Spicy Thai Noodles.
** This product is certified kosher.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size1 leaf (0.2 grams)
Amount Per Serving
Calories1
% Daily Value*
Total Fat0g0%
Saturated Fat0g0%
Trans Fat0g
Polyunsaturated Fat0g
Monounsaturated Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg0%
Sodium0.4mg0%
Total Carbohydrate0.1g0%
Dietary Fiber0.1g0%
Total Sugars0.0g
Added Sugars0g0%
Sugar Alcohol0.0g
Protein0.0g0%
Vitamin D0mcg0%
Calcium0mg0%
Iron0mg0%
Potassium3mg0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. These values were calculated and therefore are approximate. For more accuracy, testing is advised.