Dried lime also known as Amany lime (Omany lime) is a dried fruit from the citrus family native to South Asia, which is also cultivated in countries such as America and Latin America. This fruit, which is considered a traditional medicinal herb, is also found in abundance in the cities of south and southeast Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Minab, Jahorm, Jiroft, Kohnouj, and Shiraz.
Iranian dried lime is known as Limoo Omani(from Oman), But there is no lime cultivation in Oman. But the city of Amman, the capital of Jordan, is one of the countries known for cultivating lemons; Therefore, Limoo Amani is the more correct pronunciation.
How to Prepare Dried Lime and Use in Iranian Food Recipes
Since the lime fruit is very sour and even bitter after fermentation, it cannot be consumed like other dried fruits. Therefore, dried limes are used in traditional Iranian food such as Qormah Sabzi and Gheimeh.
To dry lime in traditional Iranian style, the following steps should be followed:
- Rinse the fruit and place them in a colander to remove excess water
- Place the limes in a tray exposed to direct sunlight
- During the first two to three hours, the lemons should be turned around so that the shell is dried properly
- For the limes to turn black on the inside, they must be exposed to direct sunlight for three or four days
Dried Lime Medicinal Benefits
Dried lime contains many essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin D, amino acids, folic acid, and various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. This traditional medicinal herb is utilized for medicinal purposes because of its impact on preventing and curing certain diseases. Some of the properties of Amani lime are as follows:
Preventing Heart Diseases and Improving Cardiovascular Function
The presence of potassium in lime offers many benefits for cardiovascular function. Potassium boosts the heart muscles and regulates and improves blood flow; Therefore, consuming dried lime decreases blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.
Improving Digestion and Treating Stomach Issues
Dried lime is effective in treating some issues related to the stomach. Iranian traditional medicine introduces Limoo Amani as one of the natural cleansers of the digestive system. This fruit is appetitive and is a natural remedy for treating constipation.
Detoxification with Dried Lime
Dried lime is a great natural detoxifier due to its antibacterial properties and high amounts of vitamin C. This fruit can easily eliminate harmful bacteria and toxins from the body.
Anticancer and Antioxidant Properties of Limoo Amani
According to research, antioxidants present in dried lime can prevent DNA damage and the spread of cancer cells in the body.
Boosting the Immune System and Treating Common Colds
Dried lime can effectively treat colds by boosting the body’s immune system. Also, it can eliminate viral infections in the body and reduce stress.
Natural Source of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for health, and Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue for many people. It is very difficult to get this type of vitamin through our diet, While this substance plays a very important role in treating and preventing many diseases.
Lime is one of the best natural sources of vitamin D, Therefore, consuming dried lime can prevent many health issues such as osteoporosis. It also improves physical mobility and strengthens muscles and teeth.
Increase Iron Absorption
Adding dried lime to food makes it sour and acidic. In this way, our cells can easily absorb the iron in food.
Medicinal Benefits of Dried Lime and Echium Infusion
Consuming an infusion of dried lime and Echium (Limoo Amani and Gol Gav Zaban), also known as Mazaj Gav Zaban can boost the medicinal benefits of Echium and increases its calming effect. The combination of these two medicinal herbs prevents the increase in polycythemia or erythrocytosis (unhealthy increase in absolute red blood cells mass) and blood pressure.
To prepare this mixed infusion, one medium-sized dried lime should be added to a spoonful of dried Echium flower. It is better to break the lime shell and remove its bitter seeds. Then, the lemon juice vesicles should be brewed in boiling water together with the Echium flowers.
Learn More About Iranian Dried Lime (Amany Lime)
Amany lime, which is dried lime fruit, contains many nutrients essential for the body. This fruit grows in many cities of southern Iran and is one of the main ingredients in southern cuisine.
You can buy and compare different types of Iranian Omany lime while traveling to different parts of the country with Iran tour packages. You can find more articles about different medicinal plants in Iran, as Destination Iran aims to introduce a variety of traditional medicinal herbs in our campaign to promote food tourism in Iran.
