The kaffir lime or kaffir lime, Latin Citrus hystrix (meaning prickly, due to the strongly thorny branches) is botanically one of the papedas, a citrus family only slightly related to the better-known species. The plant is also known as Mauritius papeda or makrut.

Where does the name kaffir lime come from?

Why the exotic type of citrus is referred to as "kaffir lime" in many European languages is still an unsolved mystery. Actually, this is an insulting term, after all "kaffir" was a strongly derogatory term for people of color, especially in colonial times. In particular, the South African ethnic group of the Xhosa was so called during the apartheid era. The term "kaffir" is now classified as hate speech and is therefore prohibited.

Does the Kaffir lime get its name from Arabic?

But the plant, which is very widespread in Southeast Asia, does not necessarily have to take its name from the "kaffirs". Instead, there is a second type of interpretation, according to which the word has received Arabic "kafir" for "infidel" or "village" (meaning "backward"). However, this derivation does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the actual meaning of the name.

Import of kaffir limes not prohibited

Apart from the very strange name - the origin of which will probably not be deciphered any time soon - rumors circulate through the web from time to time that the import of kaffir limes and other Southeast Asian products / goods is prohibited. Well, lovers of Thai cuisine don't need to worry, because the kaffir lime is and will remain quite readily available in the age of the internet - even if such an import ban has not yet been discussed or implemented. Kaffir limes are now also grown in specialized nurseries, with the trees usually being grown from cuttings and grafted onto a suitable base. You can purchase such a plant in any online garden store.

Related species to the Kaffir Lime

Related species of the Kaffir lime are, for example, the Alemow (Citrus macrophylla) with its large, rusty-skinned fruits and the Melanesian Papeda (Citrus macroptera). The former is often used as a grafting base, the latter is an impressive plant with huge, glossy leaves and orange-sized fruits.

Fresh leaves and fruits are not available in supermarkets

In contrast to the whole plant, however, fresh leaves and fruits are not available in German supermarkets. At best, you can buy dried or frozen kaffir lime leaves in specially stocked Asian shops - but only rarely there, because these spices are not often in demand. The fruit peels or the fruits themselves are neither fresh nor dried in Germany - there is simply no market for them. So if you would like to cook original Thai food, you basically have no choice but to buy a small kaffir lime tree - don't worry, caring for it is not particularly complicated.

tips and tricks

Instead of the leaves of the kaffir lime or its fruit peel, you can also use the leaves and peel of the lime we sell (key lime or Mexican lime, Latin Citrus aurantiifolia). This is easier to get (in any supermarket). However, dishes prepared from it do not taste as aromatic as the original.

Category:

Vegetable garden