Khmer Cooking Herbs

ក្រូចសើច, Makrut Lime (Citrus Hystrix) is different than your regular lime. Kaffir Limes is one of the most sought after culinary herb in Khmer cooking. It's one of three basic must have herbs. It's like the Holy Trinity of the American Southern cooking, but in the Khmers version. Its aromatic zest and leave is harvested for Khmer cooking.  A native to Cambodia.    A perennial in a tropical and subtropical climate. I t's frost sensitive. Here in USDA zone 9a it's c old hardy 25°F. In cold wet regions, It can be winterize indoor where temperature drop be below 30°F. But I kept mine outdoors with only overhead protection in USDA zone 9a.  No need for water but keep soil semi damp in the winter months during dormant period.  Likes full sun. Need well drained soil.  There are three distinctive features that set Kaffir Lime apart from the rest of the citrus variety. A double jointed leaf, a Warts outer surface of fruits, and its gnarly thorns.  Home remedy,  mixed 1 T

ខ្ជាយ  (Boesenbergia Rotunda), also known as K'Chai,  Krachai,  Finger Root. It is one of the "holy trinity" spice in Khmer cooking. A native to Cambodia.  A perennial in a tropical and subtropical climate. It's frosted sensitive.  It can be winterize indoor where temperature drop be below 30°F. Keep soil dry during dormant period, and bring it outdoor after the last frost. Suitable for container plantings. I sowed rhizome 1" deep and exposed eyelet if it has them in well drained soil and water generously. Or without eyelets sowed 2-3" deep with a slightly dampened soil and let it be.   Love moist environment during growth season. Hot dry heat will burn foliage.   June 23rd,  2030 June 23rd,  2020 May 24th,  2020 September19th, 1919