Black lime, also known as loomi, is essentially a fresh lime that has been sun-dried. The limes are placed on a mat made of banana leaves and left in the sun until they dry out and change color from yellow to black. Black lime has a tangy, slightly bitter taste, and a strong, aromatic flavor with earthy and smoky notes. It is widely used in Arab cuisine to add a distinctive flavor and tartness to dishes. The lime trees used to make black lime are grown in the Arabian Gulf, the Mediterranean basin, and South Asia. Before drying, the limes are sometimes boiled in a salt solution to enhance their flavor and preserve them for a longer period.