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–+ servings
Dried black limes in bowl with one halved showing interior.
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How to Make Dried Limes (Loomi)

How to make dried limes (loomi) at home - whole limes boiled in brine and dried until hard, dark and intensely aromatic, for a smoky, tangy citrus flavour in Middle Eastern cooking.
Course salads, seasoning
Cuisine Middle Eastern, Persian
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword dried lime powder, dried limes, how to make dried limes, loomi, Omani limes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Drying time (sunlight) 7 days
Total Time 7 days 10 minutes
Servings 8 dried limes
Calories 0.3kcal
Author Nicole Shroff

Ingredients

  • 8 whole fresh limes Persian fresh limes if available
  • 2 tablespoon salt
  • water enough to cover

Instructions

  • Wash 8 whole fresh limes before using.
  • Bring a large pan of water to the boil and add 2 Tbsp salt. Add the whole limes and simmer for 3–5 minutes. Drain the limes and pat the surface dry.
  • Dry them out fully: leave in direct sun for 1–2 weeks, turning occasionally, until hard and hollow-sounding. Or use a low oven (90°C / 200°F) or a dehydrator for 8–12 hours until completely hard and rattling when shaken.
  • The longer they dry, the darker and more intense they become. Bring them in earlier for fragrant brown limes, or leave them longer for smoky black limes.

Notes

  • Drying time varies hugely by method: 1–2 weeks in the sun, 8–12 hours in an oven or dehydrator. 
  • For best flavour use the direct sunlight method.
  • For best flavour grind dried limes to a powder before you need to use it as once they are ground, the oils quickly dry up and flavour is lost.
  • Storing - store unwashed and uncut dried limes in an airtight container and keep in a cool dry place for up to 1 year.
 
  • Cooking - For slow cook dishes pierce holes in each dried lime and as the dish simmers the limes become tender, slowly releasing flavour. For a faster release of flavour slice each lime in half removing any seeds then submerge in the cooking liquid. Grind halved limes (seeds removed) in a coffee grinder or spice mill to a fine powder for instant flavour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1loomi | Calories: 0.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 0.02mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 0.3mg | Iron: 0.01mg