What Is a Black Lime and How Do You Make It?
Updated: Feb. 06, 2023
Tangy, intense and versatile, black limes are a secret ingredient to Middle Eastern cuisine that is making a splash right now.
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With the rise of Middle Eastern cuisine, black limes are now one of the trendiest ingredients. Sour, slightly sweet, and slightly bitter, with a beautiful citrus aroma, black limes can be used whole in soups or in powder form as a rub for meat and chicken dishes.
What Is a Black Lime?
A black lime is a lime that has been blanched in a salty brine and then dried until its flesh and peel have darkened and hardened, according to Food + Wine. This process concentrates the citrus fruit’s flavors and aromas, adding an intensely sour and salty flavor to dishes. They are most often used in Middle Eastern or North African cooking where it is an essential seasoning added to traditional tagines, stews, chicken and other dishes.
How Do You Use Black Limes?
A little goes a long way because black lime powder is quite potent. Use the powder the same way you would use sumac or za’atar. Add it to Moroccan Chicken Thighs, Chicken Tagine or Pear and Pomegranate Tagine. You can even use it to make a black lime salt rim on a margarita!
How Do You Make Homemade Black Limes?
Making black limes is very straightforward. You just need a handful of limes, salt, water ice, a bowl and a pot. You can also find black limes at numerous spice retailers, including Amazon and Walmart.
Ingredients
- Limes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Water and ice for an ice bath
Directions
Step 1: Blanch the limes
Get a bowl of ice water ready that can hold all the limes. Put the limes in a separate pot, cover with water and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil on high heat and let the limes sit for 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Drop the limes in an ice bath
Remove the limes from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and plunge them into the ice bath immediately to stop the cooking process. Once the limes are cooled, rub them with a towel to make sure any wax or residue is removed.
Step 3: Dry out the limes
If you live in a warm, sunny climate, you can leave them outdoors in the sun for several days. Or, you can slowly dry them in the oven at a low temperature (about 150-175 degrees F) over the course of two to three days. Just turn the oven off when you leave the house or go to bed. When they’re fully dry, put them in a sealed container and store them in a dark cupboard, where you can store them whole for months.
Step 4: Grind them into powder
Place a dried lime on a cutting board and smash it with a heavy skillet. Remove any seeds from the broken pieces, then put broken pieces in a spice grinder or food processor and grind until fine. The black lime powder can be stored in a sealed container for months.
Lemon & Lime Recipes You'll Love
Refrigerator Lime Cheesecake
I made this for a Father's Day party, and it was a hit! I guarantee compliments when you serve this fantastic dessert. —Cher Anjema, Kleinburg, Ontario
Lemony Zucchini Ribbons
Fresh zucchini gets a shave and a drizzle of lemony goodness in this fab salad. Sprinkle the goat cheese or feta on top and dive in. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Key Lime Cupcakes
I made these light, tangy cupcakes on a chilly day to remind me of our vacation in southern Florida, where Key lime pies are star attractions. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Rosemary Lemonade
A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Lemon Gelato
On a recent trip to Italy, I became addicted to gelato. My favorite choice was lemon because Italian lemons have an intense flavor. This recipe brings back memories of our vacation. —Gail Wang, Troy, Michigan
Lemon-Lime Mousse
For a light and refreshing dessert after any meal, try this tangy citrus treat. —Kathryn Anderson, Wallkill, New York. If you want to add a lime slice to your mousse, this is the proper way to cut a lime.
Chipotle Lime Avocado Salad
I use my music to promote a healthy lifestyle, like eating your veggies. This bright salad is loaded with avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes and a little heat factor. —DJ Cavem, Denver, Colorado
Glazed Lemon Chiffon Cake
This fluffy cake is a real treat drizzled with the sweet-tart lemon glaze. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Lemony Garbanzo Salad
Everybody goes for this super fresh salad with the cumin-coriander dressing, especially on warm days. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Layered Lemon Pie
This is a great ending for almost any meal. Kids and adults all enjoy it, and the creamy lemon filling is always a hit with my husband. —Elizabeth Yoder, Belcourt, North Dakota
Grilled Lemon-Garlic Salmon
A lot of people fish here on the shore of Lake Michigan, so I've developed quite a few recipes for it, including this grilled salmon recipe. I love it, and so do my friends and family. When it's out of season, I look for wild-caught fresh Alaskan salmon at the grocery store. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing
A slightly savory dressing really compliments the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens. —Dixie Terry Goreville, Illinois
Lemon-Blueberry Pound Cake
Pair a slice of this moist lemon-blueberry cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's a staple at our family barbecues. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois
Baby Kale Salad with Avocado-Lime Dressing
We pull a bunch of ingredients from our garden when we make this baby kale salad with zucchini and sweet onion. The yogurt dressing layers on big lime flavor. —Suzanna Esther, State College, Pennsylvania
Limoncello Cream Pie
After a big dinner, we love the cool refreshment of a frozen lemon pie. Limoncello brings a little sophistication to each smooth, creamy slice. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine
Lemon Chicken Skewers
This easy-to-assemble recipe, with tender chunks of chicken and garden-fresh veggies, is always a hit at parties. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Lemony Coconut Frozen Yogurt
Whenever I crave something cold to beat the heat, I whip this yogurt together and share with family. Everyone enjoys the sweet relief! — Caitlyn Heinz, Ovid, New York
Lemon & Dill Shrimp Sandwiches
Our family took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Norway, where we got to eat incredible shrimp sandwiches like these. The crustier the bread, the better. —Monica Kolva, Millville, New Jersey
Lemon Chicken with Orzo
Here's a dish that's light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies...for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia
Blueberry Lime Slush
My husband's family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season. —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington
Bake-Sale Lemon Bars
The recipe for these tangy lemon bars comes from my cousin Bernice, a farmer's wife famous for cooking up feasts. —Mildred Keller, Rockford, Illinois
Grilled Lime-Balsamic Sweet Potatoes
For me, tailgating is about camaraderie and preparing food that’s good to grill. One of my favorites is sweet potato wedges. Yum! —Raquel Perazzo, West New York, New Jersey
Lime-Chipotle Carnitas Tostadas
Here's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Chipotle Lime Corn Cobs
In Mexico, grilled corn sometimes comes slathered in mayonnaise, rolled in grated cheese, and served with lime and chili powder. This is my family’s take on the dish, with our own flavor enhancements. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California
Honeydew Lime Cooler
Serve up a frosty glass of this citrusy blend of lime sherbet and honeydew melon for a real thirst quencher. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Lime & Gin Coconut Macaroons
I took these lime and coconut macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen each year. These won me the crown! —Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico
Lemon-Roasted Asparagus
When it comes to fixing asparagus, I think it's hard to go wrong. The springy flavors in this easy lemon asparagus recipe burst with every bite. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Our fun, simple slow-cooker chicken tacos are perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
Jalapeno-Lime Chicken Drumsticks
Bottled hot sauce isn't my thing, so I developed a fresh pepper glaze for grilled chicken. These drumsticks practically fly off the plate. —Kristeen DeVorss, Farmington, New Mexico
Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas
Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd pleaser? You've found it! These zesty, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Creamy Lime Potato Salad
Not only is this change-of-pace salad good served cold, but it is absolutely fantastic when it's warmed up a tad. The recipe came from my daughter, who likes to use lime juice and lime peel for a unique flair. —Angela Accorinti, Okeana, Ohio
Lemon-Apricot Fruit Pops
With just 31 calories and less than 1 tsp. sugar per serving, these lemon ice pops are one light and refreshing summer dessert everyone can find room for! —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Lime-Rosemary Shrimp Skewers
I had a big bunch of rosemary, so I turned the stems into skewers for grilling shrimp. Serve with rice or couscous and lime wedges. —Leah Lenz, Los Angeles, California
Honeydew Salad with Lime Dressing
Green is my favorite color, and this refreshing salad with grapes, cucumber and kiwi is green to the max. If you want more, add green apples and pears. —Melissa McCabe, Long Beach, California
Lemon Pound Cake Muffins
I make these lemony muffins for all kinds of occasions. My family always requests them when we have a brunch. They’re so good! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Artichoke & Lemon Pasta
While sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Try it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Lemon Meltaways
Both the cookie and the frosting are spiked with lemon in these melt-in-your-mouth goodies. Your family won't be able to get enough of this lemon butter meltaway cookie recipe. —Mary Houchin, Lebanon, Illinois
Peach-Basil Lemonade Slush
This chilly slush with peaches, lemon juice and garden-fresh basil is hands-down the best lemonade ever. It tastes just like summer. —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
Steak with Chipotle-Lime Chimichurri
Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Lemony Almond-Feta Green Beans
When you find a vegetable recipe that demands second helpings, it's definitely worth sharing. I made these green beans for a dinner party, and that's exactly what happened! I like to use haricots verts, the skinny type of green bean. —Samantha Bowman, Houston, Texas
Best Lime Tart
This treat is the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and the almonds in the crust are just wonderful. This is one of my husband’s favorite desserts. Enjoy! —Charis O'Connell, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Conga Lime Pork
Dinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Meringue Shells with Lemon Curd
We love a dazzling dessert of meringue shells filled with sunny lemon curd. It’s sweet and tart, crunchy and fluffy. Top this lemon curd dessert with whipped cream and berries. —Kris Brill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Frozen Lemon-Berry Margaritas
I like to cool down with this absolutely fantastic frozen margarita recipe. It's slightly icy, thick and perfect for when you need a break. —Julie Hieggelke, Grayslake, Illinois
Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce
Lime with ginger is a favorite flavor combo for me, especially with grilled salmon. So good. Even with the cucumber sauce, this recipe is easy, too. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Lemon Cream Chicken
If you want an entree that's quick, easy and elegant, you can't beat this one. The lemon cream sauce is what makes it irresistible. It goes so nicely with the chicken and mushrooms. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
Lemony Salmon Patties
Topped with a zippy white sauce, these little patties bake up golden brown in a muffin pan. They're impressive enough for company but easy enough that I can prepare them any time we like. —Lorice Britt, Severn, North Carolina
Lemony Coconut Bars
These lemony and chewy bars make a refreshing addition to the holiday cookie tray. Try lime juice and zest for a zingy twist. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Grilled Lemon-Dill Shrimp
This grilled shrimp is one of my go-to recipes when I stare at the freezer and draw a blank. Add veggies if desired, but grill them separately. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Strawberry Lemon Shortcake
I love a good strawberry shortcake, but this recipe is my favorite by far. The citrus zest in the dough adds a refreshing zip to the sweet dessert. —Nancy Hooper, Glen Burnie, Maryland
Haddock with Lime-Cilantro Butter
Here in Louisiana, the good times roll when we broil fish and serve it with lots of lime juice, cilantro and butter. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Chili-Lime Chicken Wings
Who would have guessed that mixing maple syrup, chili sauce and lime juice would make chicken wings taste so good? Family and guests alike will scramble to ensure they get more than one of these utterly delicious wings—so be sure to make extras! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lime & Spice Peach Cobbler
This was my grandmother’s favorite recipe to make when they had bushels of peaches. Now I love to bake it whenever I can for my family and friends. —Mary Ann Dell of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Lemon Risotto with Broccoli
A creamy, rich party-special alternative to potatoes. —Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin
Lemon & Thyme Roasted Chicken
I love lemon and thyme together so I decided to roast a chicken with that combo. The seasoning is simple, and the meat comes out moist and tender. —Pam Nelson, Beaverton, Oregon
Southwestern Cornbread with Chili Honey-Lime Butter
I put a wonderful twist on my Grandma's classic corn bread. The teachers at my kids' school thought it was sensational. The left-over flavored butter can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week and used in other great recipes or on seeded toast. —Elizabeth Charpiot, Santa Rosa, California
Grilled Tilapia Piccata
We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
Lemony Sweet Potato Pie
For a finger-licking finale to any holiday meal, I turn to this light and luscious sweet potato pie laced with just a hint of lemon. Funny how folks always seem able to find room for this delectable dessert! —Peggy West, Georgetown, Delaware
Lemony Tortellini Bacon Salad
Who says summer meals have to be complicated? We love this tangy, simple and tasty salad on warm summer nights. Add a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea and dinner couldn’t be easier. —Samantha Vicars, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Thai Lime Shrimp & Noodles
The flavors just keep popping in this quick dinner! Use as much lime zest and chili paste as you like. My family is into spicy foods, but I kept the heat moderate in this version. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Strawberry-Lime Bars
Our family loves fresh strawberries, so I look for different ways to use them. This tempting, yummy dessert has sweet strawberries, tart lime and salty pretzels. —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
Fresh Lime Margaritas
This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lemon Roasted Fingerlings and Brussels Sprouts
My trick to roasting veggies is to choose ones that cook in the same amount of time. Other combinations to try? Cauliflower florets with baby carrots or okra with cherry tomatoes. —Courtney Gaylord, Columbus, Indiana
Lemon Blueberry Drop Scones
I enjoy serving these fruity scones for baby and bridal showers. They're a bit lower in fat than most other scones, so you can indulge with little guilt. —Jacqueline Hendershot, Orange, California
Lemon-Parsley Baked Cod
After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Harvest Salad with Lime-Curry Dressing
A friend gave me this salad recipe to help me impress my new husband who loves citrus. We serve the dressing over greens we harvest from our garden—the lime and curry make a fantastic pairing. —Rachel Muilenburg, Prineville, Oregon
Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Lemon
While visiting our daughters in Ohio, we celebrated by cooking a wonderful Lebanese dinner. I showed my daughters how to bake chicken with garlic roasted potatoes. We finished with our homemade baklava. —Shirley Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Tequila-Lime Fruit Salad
Looking for a fast, colorful side to round out any meal? This refreshing fruit salad is pure perfection! —Angela Howland, Haynesville, Maine
Easy Lemon Berry Tartlets
These fruity, flaky tartlets filled with raspberries and topped with lemon-tinged cream cheese are a sweet ending to any weeknight meal. They are elegant yet come together quickly and easily. —Elizabeth Dehart, West Jordan, Utah
Lemony Bacon-Artichoke Dip
Move over, spinach-artichoke dip—bacon adds much more flavor. You might want to double the recipe because there are never any leftovers. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
Lime and Sesame Grilled Eggplant
When I lived in Greece, I fell in love with eggplant. My recipe's seasonings have an Asian theme, but the dish still makes me think Greek. —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Honey-Lemon Chicken Enchiladas
Honey, lemon and chili flavors blend wonderfully in enchiladas. My family devours this dish, so I also use the chicken filling for soft tacos with toppings. —Kristi Moak, Gilbert, Arizona
Blueberry Lemon Trifle
A refreshing lemon filling and fresh blueberries give this sunny dessert sensation plenty of color. Don't worry about heating up the oven—this trifle doesn't require baking. —Ellen Peden, Houston, Texas
Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms
My husband and I are trying to add more fish and healthy entrees to our diet and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California
Lemon & Garlic New Potatoes
This is a simplified version of a dish my Costa Rican host sister used to make when I was in the Peace Corps. It has become a favorite side dish at my house. —Katie Bartle, Parkville, Missouri
Key Lime Bread
I first tried this deliciously different bread at a friend's house, and she graciously shared the recipe with me. It's so easy to make and it tastes absolutely yummy! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Lime-Marinated Shrimp Salad
Ceviche is a seafood dish of raw fish marinated in citrus juice, which “cooks” the fish without heat. This version starts with cooked shrimp and adds tomatoes, cucumbers and serrano peppers. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Emily's Honey Lime Coleslaw
Here’s a refreshing take on slaw with a honey-lime vinaigrette rather than the traditional mayo. It’s a great take-along for all those summer picnics. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lemon Butter Cookies
These tender cutout cookies have a slight lemon flavor that makes them stand out from the rest. They're very easy to roll out compared to other sugar cookies I've worked with. I know you'll enjoy them as much as we do. —Judy McCreight, Springfield, Illinois
Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie
We love the perfect blend of sweet and citrus in this refreshing smoothie. It's so easy to throw together, I often find myself making one for breakfast or a midday snack. — Jamie King, Duluth, Minnesota
Lemon-Dill Salmon Packets
Grilling in foil is an easy technique I use with foods that cook quickly, like fish, shrimp, bite-sized meats and fresh veggies. The options are endless—and the cleanup is easy. —A.J. Weinhold, McArthur, California
Frozen Key Lime Delight
In the middle of summer, nothing hits the spot quite like this sublime Key lime dessert. Cold, creamy and tart, it tastes like sunshine. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Lemony Fruit Dip
As a way to encourage my kids to eat more fruit, I prepare this fluffy dip several times a month. Partygoers also appreciate a more nutritious snack option. —Sonja Whitchurch, St. Thomas, Ontario
Pink Lemonade Stand Cake
If you love a moist and creamy cake, this one’s for you. The lemon juice and lemonade give the layers a tangy, citrusy touch, and the cream cheese frosting with sprinkles makes it extra pretty. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lemon Rice Salad
This salad makes a refreshing side dish for a special occasion meal. I take it to holiday potluck suppers and other family gatherings. People enjoy the combination of flavors, and I like that it can be made ahead. —Margery Richmond, Lacombe, Alberta
Red, White and Blue Frozen Lemonade
This patriotic drink is as pretty as it is delicious. With cherries, blueberries and lemon juice, we created a striped lemonade that is perfect for a Fourth of July celebration. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California
Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple
I love grilled pineapple. This recipe combines the fruit's natural sweetness with the tart and spicy flavors of lime and chili powder. It's great for dessert and even as a side dish with ham or pork chops. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Gingered Lemon Cheese Balls
Roll your cheese balls in the gingersnap crumbs just before serving to keep the cookie bits crisp and crunchy—a nice contrast to the smooth, creamy spread underneath. —Libby Walp, Chicago, Illinois
Originally Published: February 06, 2023
