Kaffir Lime

If you’re looking for a citrus with bold character, look no further than the kaffir lime—also known as the makrut lime. Native to Southeast Asia, this small, bumpy green fruit may not be ideal for juicing like a Key Lime or a Persian Lime, but it steals the show when it comes to fragrance and flavor.

Unlike most citrus fruits, the magic of the kaffir lime lies in its leaves. Their glossy, double-lobed shape and intense citrus aroma make them an essential ingredient in Thai, Indonesian, and Cambodian cuisine. Toss a few into soups, curries, or stir-fries, and they instantly elevate the dish with a unique floral zing.

The fruit itself is small and knobby, with a thick rind bursting with fragrant essential oils. The zest is often used in curry pastes, while the juice, though bitter, finds occasional use in traditional medicine.

Kaffir lime belongs to the citrus family Rutaceae, which also includes juicy favorites like grapefruit, orange, pomelo, clementine, mandarin, and tangerine.

While not suited for lime juice in your morning water, this bold-flavored citrus shines in herb gardens and containers, especially in warm climates. Want more citrus fun? Explore quirky hybrids like the limequat or the finger-shaped, caviar-like finger lime.