Barberry

Barberry (Zereshk)

Barberry is a small, tart red berry grown almost exclusively in South Khorasan, the region around Mashhad that supplies most of the world's dried barberry. Its sharp, fruity flavour and ruby colour make it one of the signature ingredients of Persian cooking, and it has long been used in traditional medicine.

Grades

• Puffy barberry (pofaki) - dried in the shade so the berries stay plump, bright and soft; the premium grade used for garnishing
• Pomegranate-type barberry (anari) - smaller, darker, firmer berries for cooking

Mojtahedi sells this season's puffy barberry, cleaned and sorted, in household packs, gift packs and larger bags.

How to use

Rinse briefly, saute for a minute in butter with a little sugar and saffron, and scatter over rice for zereshk polo; add to chicken stews, salads and rice stuffings, or steep for a tart infusion.