My Curry Leaf Project: From Paris to Provence
I use a lot of curry leaves in my cooking. Living in France, I often find myself thinking how great it would be to have a full curry leaf tree growing in the garden just like the one I had back home in India.
Here in Paris the climate is a challenge. According to plant hardiness zone maps much of France falls into USDA zones 8 or 9 for the mildest areas. In plain English: winters are cool, summers moderate, and a tropical tree like the curry leaf may not be entirely comfortable outdoors year-round.
Despite that, I now have four saplings of the curry leaf plant (Murraya koenigii) tucked into pots. These little plants remind me of home and of the flavours I cook with.
Why I’m doing this
Every time I chop fresh curry leaves for a dish, I pause for a moment — the aroma takes me back, the memory of those trees in India, the daily rhythm of picking leaves and tossing them into hot oil with mustard seeds. I’m hoping to recreate some of that in France.
On a recent trip to Provence with my family I was pleasantly surprised by the mellow weather, even though it was mid-October. The sun was gentle, the air warm, and I realised: this part of France might actually be much more suitable for the curry tree than I had initially assumed.
Provence vs Paris: A comparison
- Paris (Île-de-France region): average winters with temperatures down near 3-4 °C in January, summers moderate around 19-20 °C in July.
- Provence: milder winters, longer growing seasons, more sun, and less risk of deep freezes. The area falls into higher hardiness zones (closer to zones 9 or even 10 in favourable micro-climates).
So while Paris is fine for indoor or pot cultivation (with protection during winter), Provence feels like a place where the tree could thrive more outdoors, maybe even in the ground or a large container on a sunny terrace.
Details about the Tree, Its Leaves and Flavour
The curry leaf tree, scientifically known as Murraya koenigii (formerly in some sources Bergera koenigii) belongs to the citrus family Rutaceae. [oai_citation:0‡Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_tree) The leaves are pinnate, with 11-21 leaflets, each leaflet typically 2–4 cm long and about 1–2 cm broad. [oai_citation:1‡Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_tree) The tree in its native habitat reaches about 4–6 m tall with a trunk up to 40 cm in diameter. [oai_citation:2‡Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_tree)
The leaf structure is quite distinct: a central stem, multiple small leaflets, dark glossy green. Because of its form and growth it feels more like a small tree than just a herb-plant — the leaves are thicker than many kitchen herbs, more substantial, almost structural like a bay leaf but with far more regular harvest potential.
In terms of hardiness, the tree is tropical/subtropical. It prefers warm weather, full sun or partial shade, and well-drained soil. It is frost-tender and will struggle if winter temperatures drop significantly below freezing. [oai_citation:3‡The Spruce](https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-and-care-for-curry-trees-5075352)
As for flavour, curry leaves have a distinctly aromatic profile: fresh, citrusy, slightly nutty and green, with a subtle bitterness and an anise-like hint. They are not the powdered “curry” spice that many might think of; the leaves are used fresh (or sometimes frozen) and give a characteristic scent and taste to many South Indian dishes. [oai_citation:4‡geethaskitchen.com](https://www.geethaskitchen.com/2009/08/curry-leaf-plant-murraya-koenigii.html)
Health Benefits of the Leaves
Beyond flavour, the leaves carry a range of health-related qualities. They are rich in antioxidants and plant compounds that may reduce oxidative stress. [oai_citation:5‡Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/curry-leaves-benefits) They are also studied for possible benefits in heart health (cholesterol and triglyceride reduction in animal studies), neuroprotection, digestion support and more. [oai_citation:6‡Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/curry-leaves-benefits) While human clinical evidence is still limited, the traditional use is widespread. [oai_citation:7‡PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8572594/)
My Plan
Here’s how I’m thinking of proceeding:
- Keep the four saplings in pots for now in Paris. Use large pots, good drainage, full sun or bright light.
- In spring, consider moving (some of) them to Provence or at least a south-facing terrace where they’ll get more warmth and sun.
- At the Paris home I also need to consider building or buying a small greenhouse or cold-frame to protect the plants during the winter months.
- Once the trees are larger and sturdier, plant one in the garden or a large container in Provence so it can settle into the ground (or near-ground) and potentially produce more leaves (and maybe even berries) in time.
Final Thoughts
Whether the tree thrives or struggles, I’m going to enjoy the journey. I’ll watch the saplings, learn from what works and what doesn’t, adapt my approach, and share updates as they grow.
In the meantime, I’ll keep adding curry leaves to my dishes and tell friends that yes, one day there will be a curry leaf tree in the garden. And if not in Paris, then definitely in Provence.