Curry leaves are small in size and long, slender, and oval in shape narrowing to a point, averaging 2-4 centimeters in length and 1-2 centimeters in width. The shiny, dark green leaves grow pinnately along a stem, and each branch can hold up to twenty, tightly clustered leaves. Curry leaves are extremely aromatic and have a strong flavour that has been compared to citrus, asafoetida, anise, and lemongrass.

Curry leaves provide vitamin A, vitamin B, minerals, amino acids, and alkaloids. Curry leaves are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling, steaming, or sautéing. They are commonly incorporated in southern and western Indian cooking and are used similar to bay leaves, although the leaves are edible after they are cooked and do not need to be removed before eating.