Sun Dried Limes (Noomi Basra)

Sun dried limes are whole limes dried until dark and hard, which concentrates their sour, citrusy flavour and adds an earthy, gently smoky depth.

Unlock the flavour

1. PiercePoke each lime a few times with the tip of a knife, or crack it gently, so the liquid can flow through it.
2. SimmerDrop the limes into your tea, stew or soup and let them simmer. Press them gently now and then to release more tartness, without breaking them, as the seeds are bitter.
3. GrindFor a tangy seasoning, break the limes open, remove the seeds and grind the shells to a fine powder.

Six ways to enjoy it

• Lime teaCrack 1 to 2 limes into 200ml of boiling water and steep for 7 to 8 minutes on a low heat, the traditional Iraqi way. Sweeten to taste and serve hot or over ice.
• Persian stewsThe signature tang of ghormeh sabzi, the much loved herb stew, and khoresh bademjan, a rich aubergine stew.
• Gulf riceMachboos, the spiced chicken and rice dish of Bahrain and the Gulf, is often cooked with a pierced dried lime.
• Soups and saucesAdd a whole lime to lentil soups, bean dishes and slow cooked sauces for a gentle, rounded sourness.
• SeasoningSprinkle ground lime over salads, roasted vegetables, fish and chicken, or add it to your own spice blends.
• With hibiscusPair it with dried hibiscus for a bright, ruby red infusion, the same partnership behind our Hibiscus Sunset.

How much to use

• A cup of lime tea1 to 2 limes
• Rice for 4 to 61 lime
• A stew for 6 to 84 limes

Good to know: some people eat the softened limes with the stew, but most simply squeeze them gently for extra tartness and leave them on the side of the plate, as they can be bitter.

Sun dried limes have been part of everyday life across Iraq, Iran and the Gulf for generations. Here is what is known about the goodness of the lime itself.

Health benefits in research

• Antioxidant compoundsLimes contain flavonoids such as hesperidin and quercetin, along with limonoids, natural plant compounds that act as antioxidants.
• Natural citrateLimes are a source of citrate, which may help to prevent some kinds of kidney stones.
• Low on the glycaemic indexLimes are low on the glycaemic index and feature on the American Diabetes Association's list of superstar foods.
• Settling the stomachIn Iraq, dried lime tea is a traditional remedy for indigestion and nausea.

Most research has looked at fresh limes and lime juice rather than dried limes, so these describe the qualities of the lime itself rather than proven effects of dried lime tea.

A Gulf treasure

Sun dried limes are said to have originated in Oman, where they are called loomi, which is why Iranians call them limoo amani, meaning Omani limes. In Iraq they are known as noomi Basra, after the southern city of Basra. Traditionally the limes are soaked in brine and then left in the hot sun until they turn dark and hard.

Enjoy it wisely

• CaffeineNone, naturally
• SugarNone, unless you add it
• Everyday cookingFood amounts
• Pregnancy and breastfeedingNormal food amounts only

Please note: sun dried limes are a food, not a medicine, and this information is not medical advice. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, speak to your doctor before using them in more than everyday food amounts.