Dried lime


Dried lime ; limoo amani ; loomi ) 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 – hence the name limoo amani and Iraqi name noomi basra – dried limes are popular in cookery across the Middle East.

Uses

Dried limes are used to add a sour flavor to dishes, through a process known as souring. In Persian cuisine, they are used to flavor stews and soups. 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. Also, they're made into a warm drink called Hamidh. Powdered dried lime is also used as an ingredient in Arab States of the Persian Gulf-style baharat. 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

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.