Curry Leafs

Description

The leaves of curry leaf tree is a spice. The tree is an aromatic deciduous one, five meter in height, 15-40 cm in diameter. It is cultivated mainly in homesteads but to a certain extent on a plantation scale.

Origin and Distribution

Curry leaf is found almost throughout India up to an altitude of 1500 mtrs. It is much cultivated for its aromatic leaves.

Uses

The leaf is used in South India as a natural flavouring agent in various curries. Volatile oil is used as a fixative for soap perfume. The leaves, bark and root of the plant are used in the indigenous medicine as a tonic, stimulant, carminative and stomachic.

Botanical name Family name Commercial part
Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel Rutaceae Leaf

Indian Names

• Assamese: Narsinghs, Bisharhari
  Hindi : Kathnim, Mitha neem, Curry or kurry patta, Gandhela, Bareanga
  Bengali : Barsanga, Kariphulli
  Gujarati: Goranimb, Kadhilimbdo
  Kannada : Karibevu
  Malayalam: Karriveppilei
  Marathi : Karhinimb, Poospala, Gandla, Jhirang
  Oriya : Barsan, Basango, Bhuraunga
  Punjabi : Curry patta
  Sanskrit: Krishna nimba
  Tamil : Karivempu, Karuveppilei
  Telugu : Karepaku

Name in international languages

• French : Feuilles de cari
  German : Curryblatter
  English : Curry leaves
  Chinese : Ga lei yihp
  Dutch : Kerriebladeren
  Spanish : Hoja