How to Store a Kaffir Lime

Kaffir limes are citrus fruits that are most frequently used in Asian cuisine. The limes, which have dark green, thick, bumpy rinds, are usually available in Asian markets. When cooking with kaffir limes, the leaves and peels are the components used to flavor dishes; the fruit is generally considered inedible. Storing the limes properly is very important because when stored improperly they can go bad fairly quickly. Kaffir limes and their leaves generally need a cool, dry environment.

Things You'll Need

• Kaffir limes Bowl Freezer bag Kaffir lime leaves Towel Airtight container with a lid

Instructions

Storing Whole Kaffir Limes

1. Stack the kaffir limes in a bowl and store them in a cool, dry place (such as a kitchen pantry) for up to two days. This will allow them to ripen, if necessary.

2. Put the whole kaffir limes in a freezer bag and store them in the refrigerator crisper if they haven't been used after two days. The limes should stay fresh in the crisper for about a week.

3. Transfer the bag of kaffir limes from the crisper to the freezer if they require storage for a longer period of time. Kaffir limes can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. To use a frozen kaffir lime, simply remove it from the freezer, scrape off some zest and place it back in the freezer.

Storing Kaffir Lime Leaves

1. Rinse the leaves with cold water and pat them completely dry with a towel. Pack the leaves into an airtight container with a lid.

2. Store the container of leaves in the refrigerator crisper for up to one week. Make sure that the container remains tightly sealed at all times to keep the leaves from rotting.

3. Transfer the leaves to a freezer bag and squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible. Seal the bag tightly and store the bag of leaves in the freezer for up to a year.

References

• Kaffir Lime Leaves Cooking Tips
• Asia Food Glossary