Secret Ingredient No. 7

Loomi, the dried Middle Eastern lime is introduced as the next secret ingredient. It is also known by its Iranian name, limu omani. Used as a spice, the fruit imparts a sour taste and a savoury citrus aroma to dishes, very much like lime zest, kaffir lime leaves or lemon grass. The loomi is made by boiling the ripened fruit in salted water and then sun drying. The inside of the loomi turns black in the fermentation process, hence the reference to "black lime" in some recipes. To use, mill and sprinkle over cooking, or pierce before using whole to flavour soups and stews, in which case remove the loomi before serving.



Loomi is used in the sweet and sour Lamb Soup with Quandong and Mountain Pepper Berry. Together with the smokey black oriental dates, the loomi gives the soup a savoury character which balances the sweetness and sourness.