Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix). Tropical fruit known as: sambal, combava, purut. Its kaffir lime or hystrix citrus is its botanical name, it is a tropical fruit that grows wild native to some areas of Indonesia , Thailand and the Philippines . You may know this exotic fruit by one of its other common names: caffre lime, kieffer cal, kuffre lime, makrut, magrood or leech lime.
Summary
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- 1 Origin or habitat of the fruit
- 2 Characteristics of the fruit
- 3 therapeutic benefits of kaffir lime
- 4 Consumption of kaffir lime
- 5 Cultivation
- 6 Sources
Origin or habitat of the fruit
India and Southeast Asia , especially Thailand , and Madagascar .
Fruit characteristics
An Asian variety of lime that is highly aromatic and appreciated in Thai cuisine. Used in slices to flavor curries, as well as dehydrated skin and tree leaves for cocktails or condiments, or sauces such as teriyaki. A little smaller than the [[lemon and rich in essential oils. In certain areas of Asia it is used in cosmetic preparations to shine and strengthen hair.
Therapeutic benefits of kaffir lime
Apparently, its flavor as well as its healing powers are closely related to its rich nutrient content, especially its high concentration of alkaloids , such as citronellol , limonenol , nerol and other organic compounds. It is for this reason that the kaffir file can help you:
- Purify the blood.
Its oil can be of great help if you suffer from a blood-borne disease. Its rich content of volatile compounds is capable of eliminating different germs that are found in the blood, causing diseases. In addition, it also helps to detoxify the lymphatic system and liver from toxic substances.
- Improve digestion
Its rich content in limonenol gives it anti-inflammatory and stimulating properties for the digestive system. If you suffer from constipation or indigestion, decoction of kaffir lime leaves can relieve your symptoms. It can also help you prevent gastrointestinal problems like colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, or gastric ulcers.
- Boost the immune system.
The antibacterial agents that it possesses, added to its rich content in components, make the kaffir lime act effectively as a stimulator of the immune system. Its consumption can help you prevent different gastrointestinal diseases and its topical application to prevent wound infections and skin burns by bacteria that accumulate in it.
- Decrease inflammation.
It can be a very effective natural remedy in the event that you suffer from rheumatism, arthritis, edema, gout, or some other condition of inflammatory origin. To get its benefits you can apply its juice, leaves or oil on the area where you have pain. You can also consume the fresh fruit or prepare it in juices. This anti-inflammatory effect]] is also beneficial for headaches and migraines.
- Reduce stress.
If you suffer from anxiety or another nervous system disorder, the use of kaffir lime essential oil can be of great help. Daily inhalation of its sedative fumes can help calm your body and mind.
Kaffir lime consumption
There are multiple culinary uses that you can give this appetizing fruit . Its skin and grated leaves are commonly used to flavor soups, curries, rice, vegetable stir-fries, fish cakes, salads and in the preparation of dressings. You can find it for sale as a condiment in houses specialized in Asian cuisine, in macrobiotics or herbalists. Although its consumption is safe, but in some people it can cause nausea , vomiting , dizziness and lightheadedness.
Culture
Plant your kaffir lime seeds in a position where there is no sun for as many days as possible. This is known as a full sun position and will ensure that the plant receives as much sun as it needs. Water the plants daily and feed them every six to eight weeks. When feeding, alternate a citrus food product with a dynamic lifting product. In addition, you can feed the plant with a 3- to 4-month Osmocote, as long as it occurs during spring or early summer. Fertilize the plant every August and February. when it’s fully grown. A fully grown kaffir lime plant will be about 1.5 meters tall, and should be well watered when the fruit is forming in the spring and early summer.
