Kuala Belait - One of the savoury condiments for the breaking of fast during Ramadhan, pickled lime, known locally as "acar limau" is in demand among Bruneians during the fasting month and festive season.

Every fasting month, Sharifah Aisah binti Sheikh Said focuses on the mass production of the side dish and this has been a practice and tradition of hers for the past 20 years.

Sharifah Aisah, 72, has been involved in the food business since she was 15 years old.

Her acar limau is a trademark popular amongst many Bruneians. Every mass production involves creating 100 kilogrammes of pickled lime, which is a two-week process with more than 30kg of key lime as the key ingredient. The final process involves heating the pickles in low heat for the whole day and constantly stirring it.

Sharifah Aisah says she normally sells the lime pickles during Ramadhan, along with Arabic rice and other Ramadhan savouries. She said the condiment, which is sour in taste, is suitable not only for the breaking of fast but also during Had Raya Aidilfitri, when it is eaten together with rice or crackers.

Throughout the month of Ramadhan, Sharifah Aisah sells the lime pickles at Gerai Ramadan Wisma Yakin in Kampong Pandan, Kuala Belait. She sells them at B$10 for half a kilogramme and it can be stored for up to a year. She further said that acar limau is in great demand, particularly during Aidilfitri celebrations.