Why are kaffir lime leaves usually removed before serving dishes like curries?
Answer
They are quite tough and fibrous to chew
Despite their intense flavor contribution, kaffir lime leaves are typically removed from dishes prior to consumption because of their texture. They are inherently tough and fibrous, making them unpleasant to chew directly. Culinary practice dictates that they are added during simmering or infusion processes specifically to impart their essential oils and flavor into the liquid or paste, and then discarded, similar to how a bay leaf is utilized, ensuring the final product is texturally pleasing.
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