Brilio.net - Kaffir lime plants are widely known for their leaves that give a distinctive aroma to various dishes. These leaves are often used in dishes such as sambal matah, nasi liwet, peyek, and oseng sayur . For fans of cooking, especially traditional Indonesian cuisine, buying kaffir lime leaves when shopping at the market is a common thing. Many people even choose to plant kaffir lime trees in their yards so they can pick them directly when cooking. In addition, if the harvest of kaffir lime leaves is quite abundant, this kitchen ingredient can be shared with family and close friends or even sold to earn additional income.
However, not everyone knows how to care for kaffir lime plants so that they grow well and have thick leaves. Many have failed in growing this plant before they can harvest the leaves. In fact, the way to care for it is quite simple, one of which is by utilizing ingredients available in the kitchen.
For those who are curious, this trick was shared by a social media user on the YouTube account GRIYA NANDA PUTRA. This user actively shares content about growing various vegetables and fruits, including how to care for kaffir lime leaves. Usually, kaffir lime plants are cared for by watering them with rice water. However, Nanda, as he is familiarly called, has another alternative that is no less effective.
The material in question is the dregs from egg shells. Nanda explained that egg shells do not need to be washed, just left to dry before being used to fertilize kaffir lime plants. Once dry, the egg shells are pounded and then sprinkled on top of the kaffir lime planting medium.
"Coarsely or finely ground is also fine," he added, as quoted by BrilioFood from YouTube GRIYA NANDA PUTRA on Wednesday (11/9).
photo: YouTube/GRIYA NANDA PUTRA
If you don't have eggshells, there is still another type of kitchen waste that can be used, namely banana peels. However, the method of use is different because the banana peels must be fermented first. First, cut the banana peels into small pieces, then put them in a jar.
After that, soak the banana peel pieces with enough clean water until the entire part is submerged. However, do not fill the jar to the brim, leave a little space for the gas produced by the banana peel. Also make sure the lid of the jar has a small hole to release the gas slowly so that the jar does not explode.
"The small hole functions to slowly release the gas produced by the banana peel," explained Nanda.
photo: YouTube/GRIYA NANDA PUTRA
The banana peel should be left in the jar at least overnight, then pour enough on the kaffir lime planting medium. Fertilizing with egg shells or banana peels can be done every 1 or 2 weeks to support the growth of lush and dense lime leaves.
"Adjust to your needs, use fertilizer from kitchen waste to stimulate plant growth," said the owner of the YouTube account GRIYA NANDA PUTRA.
photo: YouTube/GRIYA NANDA PUTRA
It's that simple, isn't it? Looking at the comments section of the GRIYA NANDA PUTRA YouTube video that has been watched more than 700 times, many users are enthusiastic about trying to add kitchen dregs to their kaffir lime plants.
"I also use this method to make the plants grow more fertile, to keep up the enthusiasm for activities, " wrote YouTube user @Kehidupan12.
"The leaves are very green, while mine are yellow. Thank you for the knowledge," said YouTube user @RatuRaya.