Our ground Black Lime is grown on a family farm in Guatemala, where ripe limes are dried in the sun until they oxidize, turning black and savory. A versatile ingredient common in Persian cooking, they have a savory, tart flavor that's great on roasted meat or vegetables, in stews and anywhere you'd use lime juice. It's also a good alternative to makrut / kaffir lime in southeast Asian dishes.
The New York Times writes: "This is sour upon sour, a quick barb of citrus, and then the musk of fermentation beneath."
- Origin: Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
- Aliases: limu omani, Persian lime, Omani lime
- Process: Sun-dried, then ground
- Ingredients: 100% sun-dried Persian lime (Citrus latifolia), ground
- Tasting notes: Bright Citrus • Garden Herbs • Tanned Leather
COOKING
- Sprinkle into rice, soups, fish and kebabs
- Toss with vegetables prior to roasting
- Use as garnish for cocktails, especially sours and margaritas
- Pairs well with: Black Urfa Chili, Wild Mountain Cumin, Smoked Pimentón Paprika
SOURCING
Guatemala exports 80% of the world’s cardamom. Much of their cardamom ends up in the Middle East, where cardamom coffee is a morning staple. Our partner farmer's middle-eastern customers wanted to see if he could also provide them with whole black limes, another spice common in Persian cuisine, and he was happy to oblige.
We introduced our Ground Black Lime in early 2019. Since then, we've worked with our partner farmer to increase production. As a result, our customers (you!) have been helping to offset the recent smaller-than-usual cardamom harvests.
Meet the Farmer: Amilcar Pereira planted his first cardamom vine when he was 9. In the years since then, he has succeded in creating the only vertically-integrated cardamom operation in Guatemala. His farming practices produce cardamom is so good that Saveur called him "the farmer shaking up the Guatemalan cardamom trade"
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United StatesJust discovered black line and silk chili among others, great flavours and could become addicted quickly. I tried three different chilis and they are definitely different in flavor, strength and heat, a real treat. Will be back for more to try and include in my spice cupboard.
United StatesBurlap & Barrel spices are not just a another flavor choice in our spice rack, they are now a staple in our kitchen. No meal is prepared without exploring the creative potential they offer. Given the care to quality, uncomparable flavor, and unique sourcing, holiday giving will be very easy in 2020. Burlap & Barrel gifts will be under the tree.
United StatesWhen the pandemic hit, it wasn't sourdough bread that got my attention, it was new and unusual spices. I found B&B's Royal Cinnamon and it was love at first taste. I think I have all their spices now, except the masalas which I just ordered! Black lime is one of the most unusual. It's commonly used in Persian cooking, but I've found many other ways to enjoy it - tangy with inherent citrus flavor, it can be used to brighten so many dishes, from fish to veggies. Made a tomato and eggplant stew last night, and that black lime really set it apart. Since most Americans aren't familiar with black lime, they can't quite figure out what's different - but their taste buds know there's a new flavor in town!
United StatesDuring Covid it’s been hit and miss finding fresh citrus. One day I was dying for a gin and tonic and tossed a healthy pinch of Ground Black Lime into the mix after I found I sorely missed having a lime wedge in my drink. While this isn’t the same as fresh lime it was quite delicious! It added an entirely new yet familiar, bright and juicy dimension to my cocktail. It’s fun to see the little black sprinkles bobbing about the ice and has truly become a staple to the occasional drink. I’m excited to try it in more complex mixed drinks!
United StatesI have not tried the spice because I purchased it as a gift.