Dried lime
Dried lime (also known as: black lime;[1] noomi basra (Iraq);[2] limoo amani (Iran); loomi (Oman)[3]) is a lime that has lost its water content, usually after having spent a majority of its drying time in the sun. They are used whole, sliced or ground, as a spice in Middle Eastern dishes. Originating in Oman[4][5] – hence the name limoo amani and Iraqi name noomi basra (lemon from Basra) – dried limes are popular in cookery across the Middle East.
Type | dried food |
---|---|
Place of origin | Oman |
Region or state | Middle East |
Associated national cuisine | Middle Eastern cuisine |
Uses
Dried limes are used to add a sour flavor to dishes, through a process known as souring.[6] In Persian cuisine, they are used to flavor stews and soups.[7] Across the Arab States of the Persian Gulf, they are used cooked with fish, whereas in Iraq they are added to almost all dishes and stuffing.[3] Also, they're made into a warm drink called Hamidh (sour). Powdered dried lime is also used as an ingredient in Arab States of the Persian Gulf-style baharat (a spice mixture which is also called kabsa or kebsa). It is a traditional ingredient in the cuisines of Saudi Arabia and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf.
Flavor
Dried limes are strongly flavored. They taste sour and citrusy like a lime but they also taste earthy and somewhat smoky and lack the sweetness of fresh limes. Because they are preserved they also have a slightly bitter, fermented flavor, but the bitter accents are mainly concentrated in the lime's outer skin and seeds.
Tea
Dried lime tea is a type of herbal tea made from dried limes and is a popular beverage in Iraq where it is used to aid indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea.
See also
- List of dried foods
Food portal
References
- Mallos, Tess (2007). Middle Eastern Cooking. VT, USA: Periplus Editions. p. 16. ISBN 9780794650346.
- Ayelet's Comfort (2015). "What is Noomi Basra?". Archived from the original on 2 December 2015. Retrieved 10 October 2015.
- Basan, Ghillie (2007). Middle Eastern Kitchen. NY, USA: Hippocrene Books Inc. p. 78. ISBN 9780781811903.
- Billock, Jennifer (2017-11-15). "Heard of Black Lime? Here's How To Use It". tales of the cocktail. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
- GERSHENSON, GABRIELLA. "SOUR POWER: COOKING WITH DRIED LIMES". saveur. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
- Butcher, Sally (2012). "Legumes and Pulses". Veggiestan: A Vegetable Lover's Tour of the Middle East. London, UK: Pavilion Books. ISBN 9781909108226.
- Shafia, Louisa (2013-04-16). The New Persian Kitchen. CA, USA: Ten Speed Press. p. 10. ISBN 9781607743576.