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Kaffir lime
What is the Kaffir lime ?
The kaffir lime is an Indonesian native. At the end of the 18th century, it was introduced to Mauritius and Reunion. It was only in the mid-twentieth century that we found it in the West.
The fruit is consumed, but its essential oil is frequently utilized for medical purposes.
Kaffir lime can also be grown in the Mediterranean regions . It's a plant that likes to be in the sun and gets a lot of water. It's also possible to cultivate it in a greenhouse.
What Are The Nutritional and caloric values of Kaffir lime ?
The citrus fruit kaffir lime is rather unknown in France. It is native to Indonesia and is widely consumed throughout the Indian Ocean and Asia. It may be purchased at several Asian supermarkets. It is distinguished from other citrus fruits by its rough surface and a flavor that is both acidic and akin to lemongrass.
Kaffir lime characteristics
Anti-inflammatory; Antioxidant; Vitamin C source; Low calorie; Stimulates the immune system; Anti-inflammatory; Antioxidant
Kaffir lime has a low calorie content of 22 calories per 100g. It has a high water content and is high in vitamin C.
Nutritional and caloric values of Kaffir lime
For 100 g of Starfruit Or Kaffir lime :
Nutrients | Average content |
Energy | 22 kcal |
Protein | 1 g |
Lipids | 0.5 g |
Carbohydrates | 6.6 g |
Water | 90.8 g |
Fibers | 0 g |
Vitamin C | 43 mg |
Beta carotene | 20.5 µg |
Calcium | 23 mg |
Potassium | 152 mg |
Iron | 0.6 mg |
Magnesium | 11.5 mg |
Why should you eat Kaffir lime ?
This underappreciated fruit is high in vitamin C while being low in calories. To get the advantages of combava, include it in all of your dishes: vinaigrette, seafood, fruit juice, etc.
Kaffir lime is seldom consumed, although it merits a prominent position in the diet due to its numerous nutritional advantages.
** Low in calories
With only 22 calories per 100 grams, kaffir lime is a low-energy citrus fruit that may be used to add flavor to your meals while only slightly boosting your calorie consumption. As a result, it may easily be used as part of a slimming diet.
** Anti-inflammatory
Because of its high vitamin C concentration, kaffir lime, like its cousin the lemon, has anti-inflammatory qualities. This vitamin will help you fight off minor winter ailments and is a powerful antioxidant for your body.
The anti-inflammatory properties of terpene aldehydes and esters found in kaffir lime essential oil help to reduce rheumatic and muscular pain.
** Antiviral
Because of its citronellal content, kaffir lime essential oil is one of the most potent natural antivirals. It's a potent chemical with a broad spectrum of action that targets bacteria, viruses, and even fungus.
** Toning
The essential oil of combava is a tonic and general stimulant of the organism because to its high monoterpene content. The activation of the adrenal cortex explains this feature.
Due to its circulatory toning characteristics, combava oil fights cellulite by rubbing the afflicted regions.
** Anti-stress treatment
Citronellal and citronellyl acetate, which may be found in the essential oil of kaffir lime, are calming chemicals that can intervene in the neurological system by interrupting nerve message transmission. As a consequence, you'll feel more relaxed and less stressed.
How can you choose the finest Kaffir lime and properly store it?
The kaffir lime has a diameter of 5 to 6 cm. The bark has a gritty or even blistering feel, and the color of the mature fruits ranges from very bright green to yellow. It grows on a tiny tree with a maximum height of 2.5 meters.
It comes from Mauritius and is commonly mistaken with bergamot, which has a similar blistered look but has very different tastes.
Choose a very green kaffir lime that will add flavor to your recipes to guarantee that you get as much flavor as possible.
It must be very solid and gleaming.
Powdered kaffir lime is also available, but use it sparingly because its flavor is rather strong.
Kaffir lime may be kept at room temperature in the fruit basket, or in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator for a fortnight.
You may also freeze the zest to make it easier to utilize in your recipes.
How to prepare Kaffir lime ?
Its zest, leaves, and juice are mostly utilized in the preparation of pleasant beverages. In Asian cuisine, kaffir lime leaves are frequently used as an infusion.
Curries, rougail sauces (as in the rougail sausage recipe), and spicy sauces of traditional Creole cuisines from Reunion Island and Madagascar are enhanced with the kaffir lime. It pairs well with fish and shellfish dishes, just like lemon.
If you wish to utilize the zest, don't grate it too finely, as you would with other citrus fruits: the zyst (white skin) will add a lot of bitterness.