How to store lime leaves so they stay green and last up to 3 months

foto: TikTok/@moorlife.official

This method is without soaking in water.

Brilio.net - Lime leaves are one of the spices that are often added to cooking. Not without reason, these leaves can add aroma and flavor to cooking. In addition, according to webmd.com, lime leaves also have content that can eliminate bad breath and ward off free radicals.

Because of its benefits, many people plant orange leaf trees in their yards. That way, you can pick orange leaves when needed for cooking. However, if you don't grow them at home, you can buy them. At a relatively cheap price, you can get orange leaves in large quantities. If you don't run out at once, orange leaves can be stored as stock.

The stock of lime leaves must be stored properly. Otherwise, the lime leaves can dry out and turn black, which makes the taste bitter. Finally, the stock of lime leaves will just be wasted. It's a shame, isn't it?

To overcome this, you can put the stock of lime leaves into a container. Before closing it, add enough water to soak the entire surface of the lime leaves. Then, close the container and store it in the refrigerator.

However, it is not always necessary to use this method. A TikTok user, @moorlife.official, has his own trick for storing lime leaves. According to him, this method is effective for keeping lime leaves green and preserved for up to 3 months.

As reported by BrilioFood from TikTok @moorlife.official, first separate the orange leaves that have turned yellow and dry. Make sure the orange leaves stored as stock are still fresh and green.

On the other side, put dry tissue as a base for the container. Once done, then put in the lime leaves that will be stored as stock. After that, close the container tightly until no more air can enter it.

Then put the container in the refrigerator in the freezer section. This way, the stock of lime leaves will last for months, you know.

That way, you don't need to go back and forth to the market to buy them when you need lime leaves.

To process lime leaves so that the aroma comes out optimally, here are some steps you can follow.

1. Choose fresh lime leaves.

Make sure you use fresh, unwilted lime leaves. Fresh leaves will have a stronger aroma.

2. Wash thoroughly.

Wash the lime leaves with clean water to remove any dirt or other residue. Make sure you clean them gently so as not to damage the leaves.

3. Dry gently.

After washing, gently dry the lime leaves using a clean cloth or paper towel. Make sure there is no water left on the leaves.

4. Break the lime leaves.

Before using, break up the lime leaves by squeezing them or turning them over in your hands. This will help release the essential oils trapped in the leaves.

5. Cut or tear the lime leaves.

Chop or tear the lime leaves into small pieces before you cook or use them in drinks. This will help release more of the aroma and flavor from the leaves.

1. Can lime leaves be stored without a refrigerator?

Yes, lime leaves can be stored without a refrigerator, but their shelf life is shorter. If you want to store them at room temperature, you can put them in a closed container lined with dry tissue. However, this method only makes the lime leaves last about 3-5 days before they start to dry out.

2. Can dried lime leaves still be used for cooking?

Yes. Dried lime leaves still have a distinctive aroma, but the intensity is weaker than fresh leaves. If you want to use dried lime leaves, it is better to squeeze them first so that the essential oils come out before adding them to the dish.

3. Why do lime leaves stored in the refrigerator still turn black?

This can happen due to excess moisture or air entering the storage container. Make sure the orange leaves are completely dry before storing and use an airtight container to avoid oxidation which causes the leaves to turn black quickly.

4. Can lime leaves be used for herbal drinks?

Sure! Kaffir lime leaves can be added to herbal teas, infused water, or ginger ale to give them a fresh aroma and more complex flavor. Just make sure to wash the leaves thoroughly before using.

5. How do you know if lime leaves are no longer suitable for use?

If the lime leaves have turned brown or black, feel very dry and brittle, or have a rancid odor, they should not be used anymore because the aroma has disappeared and the taste can become bitter.

(brl/tin)