Kaffir Lime vs. Lime: How Are They Different?

Kaffir Lime vs. Lime: Curious about the differences between kaffir limes and regular limes? Learn all the juicy details about these citrus fruits in this guide.

Did you know one lime can provide 32% of the vitamin C you need in a day? Consider adding limes to your meal plan today.

Are you uncertain of the difference between a kaffir lime vs. lime? Not to worry! In this guide, we'll go over what makes these two limes unique.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out!

Kaffir Lime vs. Lime: A Guide

The lime season runs from March to September. During these months you can get limes at a lower price or plant a lime tree. Trees could take up to three years to start bearing fruit in a warm climate. 

Cooking with Kaffir Limes

Kaffir limes are popular because of their fragrant leaves. They are a warty skinned fruit and don't give a lot of juice.

Their zest is less citrusy, but they do have a spicy lime fragrance and a woody note. The juice is sharp, and the zest is a little oilier.

People use kaffir lime leaves in Thai cooking and other Southeast Asian cuisines. It's an aromatic herb and delicious addition to stir-fries, curries, and soups. The thick leaves are shiny and dark green on one side and pale on the other.

If the leaves are still stuck to the stem, tear away the leaf with care. Cut the leaves into thin slices with clean scissors. Discard the central stem.

Cooking with Limes

Limes are a small green citrus fruit that provides peel and juice. You can add them to dishes for a tart and refreshing flavor.

Limes aren't often eaten alone because of their tartness. Instead, add them to sauces or spritz them over chicken and fish. They are low in calories and high in vitamin C.

Lime zest and juice enhances vegetables, fruits, and salads. Some people use the juice in a pie or garnish a beverage.

Buying Kaffir Limes and Limes

You can buy kaffir lime leaves frozen, dried, or fresh at Thai food stores. In Asian food stores, you can find them in the freezer section or produce section. Some larger regular supermarket chains may sell them.

Dried lime leaves aren't as flavorful as frozen or fresh leaves. A package of fresh lime leaves can last a year. Take one leaf out as you need them and wrap the leaves, returning it to the freezer.

Regular limes you'll find in most grocery stores. They are easy to find next to lemons.

Health Factors

Both kaffir limes and regular limes have various health benefits. People like to add lime juice to their water. This helps promote water consumption and improves skin quality.

Kaffir lime leaves are popular for oral sanitation. Read more about the healing properties of kaffir limes.

Want to Learn More?

We hope you found this article on a kaffir lime vs. lime insightful. For example, you can test out kaffir lime leaves in curries, soups, and cuisines, and regular limes in drinks, sauces, and cuisines as well.

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