Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) is a commodity that is highly valued in international markets for its aroma, pungency and high oil and Aleo resin content.
Nigeria is the third largest exporter of ginger in the world after China and India. Most of the dried ginger that are available for international trade are simply sun dried over a few days, but artificial drying is also used in areas lacking a defined dry season to coincide with the harvest.
The rhizome is dried to 10-12 percent moisture content. Dried ginger is usually presented in a split or sliced form. Splitting is said to be preferred to slicing, as slicing loses more flavor, but the sliced are easier to grind and this is the predominant form of dried ginger currently in the market
Product name: Dried Lemon Whole
Botanical name: Citrus Limonum
Family: Rutaceae
HS Code: 080550
Origin: Egypt
Dry by sun
Size: min 2.50 cm
Packing: 20 kg pp bags
The Story of Sun-Dried Lemon in Ancient Egypt
Sun-dried lemon, also known today as black lime or loomi, is a dried citrus fruit that has been used for centuries in cooking and medicine. While lemons were not originally native to Egypt, citrus fruits, including early lemon varieties, are believed to have been introduced through trade routes from Asia. Over time, sun-dried lemons became an important ingredient in Egyptian culinary and medicinal traditions.
Sun-Dried Lemon in Ancient Egyptian Medicine
The ancient Egyptians were highly skilled in herbal medicine and natural remedies. Though historical records do not explicitly mention sun-dried lemons, citrus fruits were likely used for their health benefits. Lemons, when dried, retained their high vitamin C content, which helped boost immunity and fight infections. The Egyptians may have used sun-dried lemons to treat digestive issues, sore throats, and fevers, similar to their use in later Middle Eastern and North African medicine.
Sun-Dried Lemon in Egyptian Cuisine
Egyptians were known for preserving food using natural drying techniques, including drying fruits under the sun. Sun-dried lemon developed a deep, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor, making it a perfect seasoning for stews, soups, and meat dishes. The rich, citrusy taste enhanced the flavors of slow-cooked meals, much like how it is still used today in Egyptian and Middle Eastern cooking.
Sun-Dried Lemon in Religious and Spiritual Practices
Fruits and herbs often held symbolic meanings in ancient Egyptian culture. While no direct evidence connects sun-dried lemons to religious rituals, citrus fruits were associated with purification and protection. The strong scent of dried lemon may have been used in incense or offerings, as Egyptians commonly included fragrant items in temples and tombs to honor the gods and the dead.
The Legacy of Sun-Dried Lemon
The tradition of drying lemons spread across the Arab world, where loomi became a staple in Persian, Iraqi, and North African cuisine. Today, Egypt continues to use dried lemon in various dishes, carrying forward an ancient tradition of preserving and enhancing flavors through natural drying methods.
Through its medicinal, culinary, and possibly spiritual uses, sun-dried lemon remains a timeless ingredient that connects modern Egyptian cuisine to its rich ancient past.
