Storage: Kaffir lime leaves should be stored in a zip-top bag in your refrigerator.
For long term storage of Kaffir lime leaves, freeze them separated on a chilled baking sheet and then transfer them to a zip-top plastic bag in your freezer. Their appearance will suffer, but their flavor should be maintained.
Shelf Life: Several days fresh, several months frozen.
Kaffir lime leaves are very tough, like
bay leaves, and are usually taken out after a dish has finished cooking, unless it then blended or pureed before serving. That said, they can be very finely slivered for consumption in a salad or as a garnish.
They are used in soups, stir fries, and curries, paring well with seafood, coconut milk, ginger,
galangal root,
lemongrass, pork, cardamom, lime juice, basil &
Thai basil, chicken,
crab and
chili peppers.
Often recipes calling for kaffir lime leaves count each half of the hourglass shape as a separate leaf.
