Where Do Kaffir Lime Leaves Come From and Where Can I Buy Them?

If you're wondering where to buy kaffir lime leaves, here's a hint: you don't have to travel all the way to Asia! Find out how where you can buy them fresh below.

There are many Thai recipes as well as other Southeast Asian meals that revolve around kaffir lime leaves. That's because these herbs are extremely aromatic and provide a lovely favor to a variety of stir-fries, curries, and soups. 

These thick leaves are shiny and dark green on one side, and porous and pale on the other side. Wondering about where to buy kaffir lime leaves? Luckily, you don't have to travel all the way to Asia to get them. 

Continue reading and we'll walk you through where these leaves come from and where you can buy them. 

What Are Kaffir Lime Leaves?

Kaffir lime leaves are native to Southeast Asia and are especially popular in Thailand. You can think of them as the Asian equivalent of bay leaves. 

These limes are different from your standard limes. The Kaffir limes themselves are extremely bitter and are often used in cleaning products instead of food. The leaves, however, can be eaten if cooked or thinly sliced.

The leaves of the Kaffir lime are shaped like hourglasses and they have two leaves at each end of the plant stem. A Kaffir lime can be sold dried, frozen, or fresh.

Where to Buy Kaffir Lime Leaves

You can buy kaffir lime leaves from Vietnamese or Asian food stores. Some Chinese food stores also sell these leaves. You can find these leaves usually with other dried herbs, in the freezer section, or with other fresh produce. 

You can also purchase kaffir lime leaves for sale from reputable online sellers such as fresh from our grove here at US Citrus, delivered to your doorstep. When buying kaffir lime leaves, make sure that there is no yellowing or browning affecting them. 

You can also grow kaffir limes at your own home. If you live in a hot climate, then you can plant a kaffir lime tree outside. But in colder climate areas, you'll have to grow the tree in a container that you keep indoors. 

A kaffir lime tree will need moderate watering, regular feeding, and full sunlight to grow properly. Their fruits are generally harvested between May and October. 

Storage

It's best to store kaffir lime leaves in either a glass jar or ziploc plastic bag. You can store them for up to one week and they should be kept at room temperature. If you want to keep them for longer, then put them in the refrigerator.

When in the fridge, they will last for up to one year. And in the freezer, these leaves will last for much longer. 

You can dry these leave by hanging them upside down in a warm room. A dried leaf can last up to three years. 

The Importance of Knowing Where to Buy Kaffir Lime Leaves

Oftentimes, people refuse to go outside of their food comfort zone because they don't know where or how to purchase exotic and unique ingredients. But by educating yourself, and learning about where to buy kaffir lime leaves, you can greatly improve your cooking skills and try some new flavors along the way. 

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