Fruit

Citrus hystrix

S tier

Citrus hystrix is makrut/kaffir lime—the double-lobed aromatic leaf citrus whose dark green, bumpy fruit yields little juice but intense oil in zest and rind. Leaves are the Southeast Asian kitchen star: floral-citrus perfume without lemongrass’s grassiness. Juice is sparse and very acid when used. Tear or chiffonade leaves for curries, soups, and pastes; freeze leaves flat. Zest rind sparingly—oils are potent. Whole fruit scents cleaners and drinks in some traditions. Prefer the name makrut in many modern style guides; culinary identity is the double leaf and bumpy fruit.