Curry Leaf

Curry leaf is a small deciduous tree. The subtle flavouring of this highly aromatic spice fills Indian cuisines.    

Curry leaf grows profusely throughout India. It is commonly found in forests as a gregarious undergrowth along the foot of the Himalayas, Sikkim and Assam, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Orissa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The trees are maintained as homestead gardens in Kerala, or as leaf farms in Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Orissa.

Curry leaves are added to food to enhance flavour. They are generally shallow-fried with mustard seeds and chopped onion, and poured over the dishes. Special chutneys are made with fried or roasted curry leaves to stimulate appetite. 

The leaves, bark and the root of the plant are used in indigenous medicine as a tonic,  stimulant and carminative. They are also used to cure eruptions and the bites of poisonous animals.