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Kaffir Limes Delivery or Pickup

The Instacart guide to kaffir lime products

Shopping for kaffir limes? Let our buying guide help. Learn more about kaffir limes, how to shop for them, and frequently asked questions.

About kaffir limes

Kaffir limes, also known as makrut limes or Thai limes, are native to China's southern regions and the beautiful tropics of Southeast Asia. The kaffir lime is an essential ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes, and the essential oil of the fruit's leaves is often utilized to make perfumes. You can even crush the rind to release its rich citrus fragrance and treat yourself to some aromatherapy at home.

In fact, the entirely of the kaffir lime — its fruit, oil, rind, and leaves—can all be used for a wide variety of purposes. These versatile fruits can even be found in soup and sauce recipes, as they often are in Thai menus. If you plan on cooking with kaffir lime leaves, be aware of how many you add to the dish. The leaves are very powerful, and their flavor can overpower the meal.

The reason behind this intense flavor is a strong concentration of organic compounds like nerol, limonene, citronellol, and alkaloids, among others. The compounds found within the kaffir lime create a unique flavor and smell and contribute to several health benefits.

How to tell if a kaffir lime is ripe

If you use an kaffir lime that isn't yet ripe, you run the risk of serving less than impressive dishes and cocktails. Unripe limes can't hold a candle to their ripe counterparts when it comes to flavor. When you are shopping for limes, your sense of touch, sight, and smell will play very important roles in helping you pick out the best quality kaffir limes.

Pay close attention to how the lime's skin feels when you begin your search. You can provide further testing by giving the lime a little squeeze. While there should be a slight give under your grip, the lime should by no means be soft. Now, limes that are not ready to be eaten won't give at all and will need a day or two to ripen up. Pick up the lime you're interested in. If it feels heavy, that's another good sign that the lime is carrying a lot of juice is mature.

Take a look at the lime in question. If its skin is a mix of yellow and green, that is a sure sign that your lime is still not ripe. A ripe lime will be a rich green color. Essentially, for limes, green means "go."

When it comes to determining the ripeness of a lime, trust your nose. Don't be afraid to give your lime a sniff. If the unmistakable fragrance of lime swirls under your nose, you can rest assured that the lime in question is ripe. Limes that still need a few days to ripen will not have much of a smell at all.

Health benefits of eating kaffir limes

Kaffir limes can do a wonder for the body when you consume them. Adding kaffir limes to your diet can give you an extra hand at stress reduction, improving your hair's health, decreasing inflammation, and supporting healthy skin. These limes can also help improve your oral health as well as provide aid to your immune system.

Eating kaffir limes also enables you to increase your intake of essential vitamins and nutrients like vitamin C, thiamine, potassium, and vitamin B6. Vitamin C provides support for your cells and helps them avoid being damaged by free radicals. Thiamine is also essential to your body; it helps keep your nervous system fully functional by turning food into energy. A type of electrolyte, potassium, plays a hugely important role. Not only does it help your muscles contract, but it also helps your heart to maintain a regular heartbeat.

Kaffir Limes Near Me

Buy your favorite Kaffir Limes online with Instacart. Order Kaffir Limes from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.

FAQs about kaffir limes

The culinary world is yours when you cook with kaffir limes. One great entree you can make is chicken with kaffir lime pesto. Simply throw together some curry power, salt, and chili along with garlic, oil and ginger. When these seasonings are properly mixed, rub them into your chicken. To make your kaffir pesto, you'll need a food processor or blender. Combine kaffir lime leaves with basil, mint, garlic, oil, and cilantro to serve up with your chicken after you cook it. 

You can also use kaffir limes to make delicious desserts like custards and key lime pie. If you're in the mood for a cocktail at home, grab some limes to make your own Margarita mix with agave syrup and ice.

Getting your hands on some kaffir limes is incredibly easy. If you can't wait to start cooking with kaffir limes, simply fill your cart with them via the Instacart app. Your Instacart shopper will have these exquisite fruits delivered to your doorstep in as little as 2 hours!