The Aromatic Lemons 

In the last decade, Thai cuisine has taken the world by storm. And with it the world was introduced to the fragrant Kafir lime. 

The aromatic leaves would take the Thai food to the next level. When I had it for the first time, I was smitten. Being a home chef, I decided to explore the recipe. Can you imagine my surprise when I shopped for the ingredients ? 

The Gondhoraj leaves have a similar aroma as it’s South Asian country cousins, the Kafir lime. And this lemon is a staple of the Northeast. No meal is complete without nemu or lebu as it is called here. 

The lime tree has many uses. The juice is used for cooking and marinades and often in the summer makes a welcome cooling drink. The leaves are used as potpourri to keep clothes smelling fresh. In case of an insect bite, the leaves are crushed and it is put on the puckered skin where the insect has bitten. This prevents infection. The thorn of the lime bush is used to pierce holes in the ear. It has anti inflammatory properties and villagers often use these thorns to prevent any infection. 

Lastly, lemon juice is a great antioxidant. Due to its high pH levels, lemon can decrease oil on the skin and reduce inflammation. It lightens scars and blemishes. It also acts as a natural exfoliator removing dead skin cells that can clog pores, thereby giving younger looking skin. 

Today the Kafir lime leaves have a worldwide market. And if you visit any home in Assam or West Bengal, you will find a couple of bushes growing in the backyard. So often you search the world for something, only to find it growing in the wilderness of the trees and bushes of the Northeast. Welcome to the many fruits of the Northeast, they feed and also, heal. 

About the writer

Chuman Das is a journalist who has travelled far and wide. Her experiences are personal and in depth. She directs digital ad films and is a content developer.