Chai Noomi Basra

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# Chai Noomi Basra Chai noomi Basra is a tart infusion made with dried lime, known as noomi Basra or loomi. It is drunk in Iraq and across the Arabian Peninsula. Served hot in a small glass, it has a sharper citrus flavor than ordinary black tea. {{image}} ## What is noomi Basra? Noomi Basra is a lime dried until its skin darkens and most of its moisture is gone. It is also called loomi or black lime. Simmered in water, it gives the drink a tart citrus flavor with an earthy note. The infusion usually contains no tea leaves. [Wikipedia's overview of dried lime tea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dried_lime_tea) describes it as a traditional drink in Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula. The name refers to Basra, in southern Iraq, but dried lime is used across the region. Add sugar or honey to balance the lime's sourness. {{image}} ## How it tastes and how it is served The drink tastes of citrus, with sourness that lingers. Its sweetness depends on how much sugar or honey you add. It is often served hot in a small estikan glass, or chilled over ice in warm weather. Some recipes add saffron or honey, but the basic infusion uses dried lime and water. [Slofoodgroup's loomi tea guide](https://www.slofoodgroup.com/blogs/recipes-stories/how-to-make-loomi-tea) describes both hot and cold versions. Dates or a small sweet pastry pair well with its tart flavor. {{image}} ## A simple way to brew it Crack one or two dried limes, or prick their skins several times, and add them to a small pot of water. Simmer for about 15 to 30 minutes, then strain. Start with less lime and a shorter simmer if you prefer a gentler flavor. Sweeten the drink after tasting, and serve it hot in a small glass. This method follows the preparation described in the [dried lime tea overview](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dried_lime_tea). Taste the infusion as it simmers, since the dried lime can make it sharp. If needed, dilute it with hot water or add more honey or sugar. For iced tea, let the brew cool before pouring it over ice. {{image}} ## Is it a digestive tea? Chai noomi Basra is sometimes described as a home drink for an unsettled stomach or indigestion. That is a traditional use, not proof that the tea treats a medical condition. Enjoy it for its flavor, and seek medical advice for persistent symptoms rather than relying on a tea remedy. The infusion is a straightforward way to try dried lime in a drink. Order it hot or chilled, and adjust the sweetness to your taste. ## FAQs ```json {"faqs":[{"id":"faq-1","question":"What is chai noomi Basra?","answer":"It is an Iraqi dried-lime infusion, also called loomi tea. It is made by simmering dried lime in water and is usually sweetened to taste."},{"id":"faq-2","question":"What does noomi Basra mean?","answer":"Noomi Basra is a name used for dried lime. The tea's name refers to this key ingredient and its association with Basra."},{"id":"faq-3","question":"Does chai noomi Basra contain tea leaves?","answer":"Usually, no. The basic drink is an infusion of dried lime and water, rather than Camellia sinensis tea leaves."},{"id":"faq-4","question":"How do you make chai noomi Basra?","answer":"Crack or prick dried limes, simmer them in water for about 15 to 30 minutes, strain, then sweeten to taste."},{"id":"faq-5","question":"Can you drink dried lime tea cold?","answer":"Yes. Brew it, let it cool and serve it over ice. You can make the infusion slightly stronger to account for melting ice."},{"id":"faq-6","question":"Is chai noomi Basra a proven digestive remedy?","answer":"It is traditionally described as a drink for indigestion, but that use is not proof of a medical effect. Ask a health professional about ongoing symptoms."}]} ``` ## Sources - Wikipedia, [Dried lime tea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dried_lime_tea), accessed June 4, 2026. - Slofoodgroup, [How to Make Loomi Tea](https://www.slofoodgroup.com/blogs/recipes-stories/how-to-make-loomi-tea), accessed June 4, 2026.