Cover the root ball with a mixture of one-part compost, one-part sand, and 2-parts cedar shavings. Make sure that the root collar is above the soil. Gently firm the soil. We’ve read that makrut fruits are often candied in Southeast Asia, but have yet to attempt this ourselves. I did try to make a makrut lime juice curd that tasted more like a household cleaner than a dessert. Do you love Asian cuisine? Then you’re going to fall in love with the kaffir lime tree. Why as it is the main element in Thai curry and stir-fries and makes a delicious tangly lime zest. However, as best as food historians and linguists can tell, the word “kaffir lime” did not actually start off with the intention of being a racist slur or a disparaging name for the fruit. Instead, its etymology is most likely owing to two alternative factors:

Another traditional (and modern) use of makrut lime is as an insect and/or pest deterrent. In fact, the reason they were called kudalu dehi (leech-lime) by native Sri Lankans is because the juice was rubbed on their legs to keep off land leeches.

How to Grow Kaffir Lime in the Garden

Makrut lime leaves can also be crushed in your hand (releasing the oils) and rubbed on your skin as a mosquito deterrent in the same way that catnip can be used. 7. Do makrut limes/Citrus hystrix have any health benefits?

Inspect the roots of the tree and make sure they are loose and in good condition. Cut away entangled ones. Makrut lime leaves are best used fresh, but they also can be dried or frozen for long-term storage. Storage instructions: To grow kaffir lime trees from seed you will need to use a heated propagator and keep the seedlings in a temperature controlled environment. When they are old enough to plant into larger pots you can take cuttings and propagate from them from around the second year. You are not growing for the bitter fruit but the leaves and rind of the limes. D. J. MABBERLEY (2002). "Limau Hantu and Limau Purut. the Story of Lime-Leaves (Citrus hystrix DC, Rutaceae)?" (PDF). Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 54: 185–197 . Retrieved 12 March 2022. A frost-free greenhouse may be suitable for some, but others may need warmer conditions, such as in a conservatory. A few lemons , for example, will be fine as low as 5°C (42°F), kumquats often need 7°C (45°F) or more, limes and grapefruits should be kept above 10°C (50°F) and calamondin oranges may need at least 13°C (55°F). Centrally heated homes are usually too warm in winter, and the air tends to be too dry.Fruiting/Harvest Months January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December Citrus requires care and attention to flourish but gives you ample reward for your care. It benefits from John Innes No3 compost together with summer and winter citrus feed. Please follow planting and care instructions carefully. Benefits from a special citrus feed. Comes with a care sheet as well. C. hystrix is grown worldwide in suitable climates as a garden shrub for home fruit production. It is well suited to container gardens and for large garden pots on patios, terraces, and in conservatories. Kaffir limes are rough, green fruits that are small and usually just around 3-5 cm wide and 5-7 cm tall. They are easily distinguished by its bumpy rind that is absolutely unique to this lime species. Kaffir limes are somewhat dry, and the juice is acidic, overly tart, and bitter. The leaves are utterly aromatic, and the most often used part of the tree. Makrut lime oil is used as raw material in many fields, including pharmaceutical, agronomic, food, sanitary, cosmetic, and perfume industries. It is also used extensively in aromatherapy and as an essential ingredient in various cosmetic and beauty products. [33]