Black lemon (Loomi)

Black lemon, also known as loomi, noomi basra, or dried lime, is a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine. Despite its name, black lemon is actually a dried lime, typically sun-dried or oven-dried until it turns dark brown or black. Black lemons are small, hard, and dark brown to black in color with a wrinkled, leathery skin.

They have a unique, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor with a hint of bitterness. The drying process concentrates the citrus flavors and adds complexity. Black lemons are commonly used to add a sour and slightly fermented flavor to various dishes. They are particularly popular in Persian and Gulf cuisine and can be used whole, cracked, or ground into a powder.

In stews and soups, black lemons are often added to impart a deep, tangy flavor, typically pierced or crushed to release their flavor during cooking. They are used to flavor rice dishes, such as biryani, providing a sour note that balances the spices.