Dried Black Lemon & Lime / Loomi (Citrus Aurantifolia) – Sortex Cleaned Export Grade

<p>We supply premium export-grade <strong>Dried Black Lemon / Loomi</strong> (also globally traded as <strong>Black Lime, Omani Lime, or Noomi Basra</strong>; <em>Citrus aurantifolia</em>). Sourced from mature, thin-skinned small round limes, blanched in light salt brine, and sun-cured over weeks under direct desert solar radiation until the outer rind turns charcoal black to dark brittle brown and the internal pulp caramelizes into an intensely aromatic, resinous core. Loomi delivers a signature complex culinary profile: sharp citric sourness, earthy-fermented musk, and delicate smoky undertones without harsh bitterness. Extensively supplied to rice dish seasoning packers (Kabsa, Majboos, Biryani), slow-cooked meat and tagine spice blenders, soup/stew bouillon manufacturers, craft gin/botanical distillers, and wholesale Middle Eastern culinary distributors worldwide.</p>

<h3>Key Quality Focus: Brittle Shell, Hollow Interior & Controlled Moisture</h3>

<p>In international spice procurement, black lemon quality is judged by its hollow dry rattle, low intact seed bitterness, absence of sand/grit, and deep uniform color. Natural brine-blanching and complete solar desiccation eliminate moisture down to safe storage thresholds (max. 8.0% – 10.0%), ensuring the brittle outer peel crushes easily while protecting the pulp against mold formation during long-haul maritime container transport.</p>

<h3>Commercial Grades & Available Processing Forms</h3>

<ul>

<li><strong>1. Whole Selected Black Loomi (Grade A Hand-Sorted):</strong>

<ul>

<li>Intact, spherical dried limes (calibrated diameters: 25 mm – 35 mm+).</li>

<li>Thin, brittle black/dark brown outer shell, free from puncture holes or white mold spots; punctured slightly by culinary chefs for slow simmering in broths and rice pots.</li>

</ul>

</li>

<li><strong>2. Crushed / Kibbled Loomi (Seedless / Low-Seed Coarse Cut):</strong>

<ul>

<li>Mechanically broken pieces (3 mm – 8 mm) with bitter inner seeds sifted and removed; optimized for direct inclusion into dry spice rubs, tagine bases, and tea blends.</li>

</ul>

</li>

<li><strong>3. Fine Black Lemon Powder (40 – 60 mesh):</strong>

<ul>

<li>Pure micro-pulverized black lime powder; dark charcoal-brown in appearance with instant tart dispersion for marinades, snack seasonings, and falafel mixes.</li>

</ul>

</li>

<li><strong>4. Dried Yellow / White Loomi (Sun-Dried Lime):</strong>

<ul>

<li>Gently dried without prolonged fermentation; pale beige to light tan outer skin with a sharper, fresher citrus acidity.</li>

</ul>

</li>

</ul>

<h3>Product Specifications & Analytical Standards</h3>

<ul>

<li><strong>Botanical Origin:</strong> <em>Citrus aurantifolia</em> (Christm.) Swingle (Key Lime / Round Lime - Family: Rutaceae)</li>

<li><strong>Common Trade Names:</strong> Dried Black Lemon, Black Lime, Loomi, Loomi Omani, Noomi Basra, Citron Noir Séché, Limón Negro Seco, Getrocknete Schwarze Zitronen / Limetten, Kuru Siyah Limon / Kurutulmuş Misket Limonu, Limoo Amani</li>

<li><strong>HS Codes:</strong>

<ul>

<li><strong>0805.50.90.00 / 0813.40.95.00:</strong> Citrus fruit, fresh or dried - Limes / Other dried fruit</li>

<li><strong>0910.99.99:</strong> Spices - Other (Ground black lime powder)</li>

</ul>

</li>

<li><strong>Color:</strong> Natural matte charcoal-black to dark chocolate-brown (interior pulp: glossy dark black/brown)</li>

<li><strong>Purity:</strong> Min. 99.0% – 99.5% (Aspirated, metal-detected, free from stones, sand, and foreign botanical matter)</li>

<li><strong>Moisture Content:</strong> Max. 8.0% – 10.0% (Crisp, fully dehydrated for shelf-stable dry storage)</li>

<li><strong>Citric Acid Content:</strong> Min. 6.5% – 9.0% (Natural titratable acidity providing potent tartness)</li>

<li><strong>Total Ash:</strong> Max. 4.5% – 5.5%</li>

<li><strong>Acid-Insoluble Ash:</strong> Max. 0.5%</li>

<li><strong>Origin:</strong> Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Export Hubs / Regional Certified Sources</li>

<li><strong>Crop Season:</strong> Current Crop / Fresh Solar Cure</li>

</ul>

<h3>Packaging & Bulk Handling Standards</h3>

<p>Because whole black lemons have brittle outer shells that can crack under excessive pressure, master packaging incorporates protective corrugated walls:</p>

<ul>

<li>Standard export corrugated master cartons: 5 kg, 8 kg, or 10 kg net weight, lined with food-grade sealed polyethylene (PE) liner bags to shield against ambient humidity</li>

<li>20 kg or 25 kg heavy-duty PP (polypropylene) woven bags with PE inner liners for economical bulk wholesale orders</li>

<li>Multi-ply craft paper bags (15 kg / 20 kg) with moisture-barrier liner for fine ground powder and crushed kibbles</li>

<li>Retail stand-up pouches (Doypack: 100g, 250g, 500g) available for private label supermarket programs</li>

<li>Custom private labeling, batch barcodes, and client palletization standards fully supported</li>

</ul>

<h3>Container Loading & Freight Logistics</h3>

<p>Whole dried black lemons represent an exceptionally light, hollow, and voluminous spice cargo (bulk density approx. 180 – 240 kg/m³ for whole limes; approx. 450 – 520 kg/m³ for ground powder). Shipments maximize container cubic space while strictly complying with road safety limits and international container payload regulations:</p>

<ul>

<li><strong>20ft FCL Container:</strong>

<ul>

<li>Whole Limes (Loose Cartons / Bags): Approx. 5.5 – 7.0 MT (approx. 28 – 30 CBM internal volume)</li>

<li>Ground Powder / Crushed: Approx. 11.5 – 13.5 MT</li>

<li>Palletized (Whole Limes): Approx. 4.5 – 5.5 MT</li>

</ul>

</li>

<li><strong>40ft High Cube (HC) FCL Container:</strong>

<ul>

<li>Whole Limes (Loose Master Cartons): Approx. 13.0 – 15.5 MT (utilizing full 68 – 72 CBM internal volume)</li>

<li>Ground Powder: Approx. 22.0 – 24.5 MT</li>

<li>Heavy dense ground derivatives strictly capped at the <strong>25 MT maximum legal container payload limit</strong></li>

<li>Palletized (Whole Limes): Approx. 11.0 – 13.0 MT</li>

</ul>

</li>

<li><strong>Standard Truck (Road Transport / Mega Tır 90–100 m³):</strong>

<ul>

<li>Whole Limes: Approx. 14.0 – 17.0 MT (Volumetric trailer capacity limit)</li>

<li>Dense Ground Powder: Approx. 21.0 – 24.5 MT (Strictly capped at <strong>max 24 – 25 MT legal road axle payload</strong>)</li>

</ul>

</li>

</ul>

<h3>Quality Assurance & Export Documentation</h3>

<ul>

<li>Comprehensive official export paperwork: Official Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Origin, Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming moisture, citric acidity, purity %, and microbiological safety, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading / CMR.</li>

<li>Fumigation certificate provided at loading port guaranteeing complete absence of warehouse insects.</li>

<li>Tested and compliant with European Commission (EU) pesticide MRL regulations, US FDA food safety rules, and regional Gulf GSO standards. 100% Halal and Kosher certified.</li>

<li>Available trade delivery terms: FOB, CFR, CIF, and DAP.</li>

</ul>