Exploring the Sweet Lemon: A Conversation with Dr. Simi RezAria Ghassami

(Note: Our conversation was recorded before the start of the US/Israel war started with Iran, and hence makes no mention of this conflict.)

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of regional citrus fruits—specifically the sweet lemon or "Limu Shirin"—with Dr Simi Rez-Aria Ghassami, a food ethnographer specialising in Azerbaijani and Turkic foodways. Discover the cultural stories, culinary uses, and unique seasonality of this intriguing fruit, along with insights into Iranian citrus traditions and food history.

Main Topics:

• The cultural and linguistic background of Limu Shirin, or sweet lime
• The seasonal and regional cultivation of this unique citrus fruit
• Innovative ways to enjoy and incorporate Limu Shirin in cooking and beverages
• The etymology of citrus names in Iran and related regions
• Dr. Ghassami’s journey from ethnography to food writing and her upcoming book on fermented dairy

Key Insights:

• Limu Shirin is a sweet, spherical citrus fruit similar in size to a blood orange, with a thin, smooth skin that is tricky to peel.
• Its seasonality peaks in Iran's Fars province, and it is rarely found outside its core region due to climate sensitivities.
• The fruit is best eaten immediately after cutting to avoid bitterness caused by ruptured juice sacs.
• In Iran, Limu Shirin is used both fresh and in culinary applications, such as flavouring tea or fish dishes, but it is mostly enjoyed fresh due to its subtle complexity.
• The historical and linguistic connections suggest that citrus fruits like Limu Shirin may have travelled along ancient trading routes, from Mozambique to West Asia.
• Orange blossom water and flower jams made from citrus blossoms are other significant uses of regional citrus and flower products.
• Dr Ghassami shares her journey from academic ethnography to food writing, emphasising her focus on fermentation and food history.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Dr Simi Ghassami and her work

00:44 - The story behind Limu Shirin and its cultural significance

02:26 - How and where Limu Shirin is cultivated and its seasonality

03:45 - Travelling to Iran for citrus photography and cultural insights

04:55 - Comparing Limu Shirin with other citrus fruits like blood oranges and limes

05:25 - Climate and regional growth conditions for Limu Shirin

06:20 - The role of citrus in Iranian cuisine and etymology of fruit names

07:44 - The possible origins of Limu Shirin and the spice trade influence

09:15 - Regional availability and rarity of Limu Shirin outside Iran

10:22 - How to eat Limu Shirin: quick consumption, peeling, and tasting

11:49 - The traditional method for juicing and enjoying the fruit

12:30 - Practical tips on slicing and processing Limu Shirin

13:14 - Distinctive flavour profile and health benefits, especially for colds

14:24 - Using Limu Shirin in drinks: the Van D’Orange and other recipes

15:51 - How to incorporate Limu Shirin into cooking and food preservation

18:24 - Sourcing Limu Shirin in the UK and regional availability

20:07 - Other citrus and flower products: orange blossom water and jams

21:08 - Final thoughts on using fresh versus cooked citrus

22:09 - The potential for culinary innovation with limu shirin and citrus

23:00 - Cultural expressions, poetry, and language connections of sweet and poetic names

24:38 - Simi’s journey from ethnography to food writing and her upcoming book

26:26 - The history of fermented dairy in Central Asia and its cultural significance

27:24 - Promoting her book and upcoming book tour plans

28:28 - Simi’s cookery classes in Bath and beyond

29:48 - Conclusions, gratitude, and closing remarks

Resources & Links:

• Fermented Dairy of Central Asia - Simi Ghassami's Book
• Oxford Food Symposium
• Dunya Supermarket, Stapleton Road - Bath

Connect with Dr. Simi Ghassami:

• Instagram

Enjoy this flavorful exploration into the cultural, linguistic, and culinary worlds of the regional sweet lemon and beyond!