Makrut Lime Leaf
Makrut lime leaf is an intensely citrus-perfumed Southeast Asian leaf prized in Thai cooking, rich in aromatic citronellal and antioxidants.
Nutrition · per ~2 g serving · ≈ a pinch
- Vitamin C0.30 mg<1% DV
- Vitamin A12.0 iu<1% DV
- Calcium14.0 mg1% DV
- Iron0.18 mg1% DV
- Potassium26.0 mg<1% DV
- Magnesium2.2 mg<1% DV
- Polyphenols~3.0 mg
Score · 87/100
Vitamins & minerals packed in relative to calories — the single biggest driver of the score.
How much protein it delivers, by absolute grams and per calorie.
Dietary fiber for gut health, satiety and steadier blood sugar.
Fat quality — unsaturated vs saturated, and trans-fat free.
Polyphenols, flavonoids and other beneficial plant compounds for this food group.
Low sugar with a high fiber-to-carb ratio scores best — gentler on blood sugar.
- Calcium54% DV
- Iron50% DV
- Potassium28% DV
- Magnesium26% DV
- Vitamin C17% DV
Overview
Makrut lime leaf (Citrus hystrix), historically marketed as kaffir lime leaf, is the glossy double leaf of a Southeast Asian citrus tree, indispensable to Thai, Lao, Cambodian, and Indonesian cooking. Its hallmark is an extraordinary citrus-floral perfume, more intense and deeper than ordinary lime, carried by an essential oil rich in citronellal and citronellol. These terpenes give the leaf both its aroma and its antioxidant character, and citronellal is studied for relaxing and insect-repellent properties. The dried leaf supplies small amounts of vitamin C, calcium, and potassium, but it is used as a fragrant seasoning rather than a nutrient source. Whole leaves are bruised and simmered to flavor curries, tom yum and tom kha soups, and stir-fries, then usually removed, while finely shredded leaf is eaten in salads. Pairing especially well with coconut milk, chili, and lemongrass, makrut lime leaf delivers its value as bright aroma and antioxidant volatile oils rather than as meaningful macronutrients.
Health Benefits (3)
- Provides antioxidant protectionlimitedCitronellal, citronellol, and leaf polyphenols scavenge free radicals and inhibit oxidative damage
- Supports a calming, mood-lifting aromalimitedCitronellal-rich essential oil has shown relaxing effects through aromatic and autonomic pathways
- Contributes vitamin ClimitedThe leaf supplies modest ascorbic acid that supports antioxidant defense and collagen synthesis
Food Pairings
- ·Pair with coconut milk because its richness carries the leaf's fat-soluble citrus oils through a curry
- ·Combine with lemongrass and galangal because the three define classic Thai aromatic broths
- ·Use with chili and fish sauce because the bright citrus balances heat and salt in tom yum
Practical Tips
- ·Bruise or tear whole leaves to release the oils before simmering
- ·Remove the tough central vein and slice very thinly if the leaf is to be eaten in a salad
- ·Store dried leaves airtight away from light, where they keep for several months
Optimal Timing
Makrut lime leaf is added during cooking whenever a curry or broth is prepared.
Used as a small aromatic seasoning it adds negligible calories.
Systems supported
body systems this food feedsPathways supported
biochemical reactions enabled by this foodCompared to other herbs & spices
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower makrut lime leaf is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
What people ask about makrut lime leaf
What is makrut lime leaf?
Makrut Lime Leaf is classified as a herbs & spices. Makrut lime leaf is an intensely citrus-perfumed Southeast Asian leaf prized in Thai cooking, rich in aromatic citronellal and antioxidants.
Is makrut lime leaf healthy?
Makrut Lime Leaf scores 87/100 in Formulate, making it a great choice. Its strongest contributions come from Calcium, Iron, Potassium. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Is makrut lime leaf high in protein?
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.1 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Is makrut lime leaf high in fiber?
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.6 g of fiber (~2% of the 28 g daily value).
Is makrut lime leaf keto-friendly?
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 0.6 g of net carbs (1.2 g total minus 0.6 g fiber).
When is the best time to eat makrut lime leaf?
Best any time of day. Makrut lime leaf is added during cooking whenever a curry or broth is prepared.
How much makrut lime leaf should I eat?
A typical serving is around 2 g (~6 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating makrut lime leaf alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
What pairs well with makrut lime leaf?
Makrut Lime Leaf pairs nicely with: Pair with coconut milk because its richness carries the leaf's fat-soluble citrus oils through a curry; Combine with lemongrass and galangal because the three define classic Thai aromatic broths; Use with chili and fish sauce because the bright citrus balances heat and salt in tom yum.
Supplements that mirror Makrut Lime Leaf's nutrient profile
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients makrut lime leaf contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
Signature nutrients in Makrut Lime Leaf
These are the nutrients makrut lime leafcontributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.