What are barberries? Barberries are small, ruby-red dried berries with a bright, tangy taste. In Persian, they are known as zereshk. First, cooks rinse the tiny berries. Then they sauté them briefly to soften. As a result, barberries add a jewel-like colour and a fresh, sour pop to many dishes. They are a treasured ingredient in Persian cooking.
In this guide, we explain where they come from and how they taste. We also cover how to cook with them and pair them with saffron. Finally, we show you the dishes we brighten with them at Lalezar.
Where do they come from?
They grow on the Berberis shrub, a hardy thorny bush. In fact, Iran grows most of the world’s supply. The region of South Khorasan is especially famous for them. Farmers harvest and dry the tiny red berries. So they reach the kitchen as vivid dried jewels.
What do barberries taste like?
Barberries taste bright, tart and slightly sweet. Their sourness is fresh rather than harsh. Meanwhile, a little sugar or butter mellows them beautifully. Because they are so tangy, a small amount lifts a whole dish. So barberries balance rich, savoury food perfectly.
How barberries are used in cooking
Barberries shine in Persian rice dishes. For example, they crown our signature Persian rice, known as zereshk polo. They also pair with chicken and lamb. Meanwhile, they garnish stews, salads and even desserts. So barberries add colour and tang wherever they go.
Barberries and saffron: a classic pair
Barberries and saffron are a classic Persian duo. Together, they colour rice gold and ruby. Meanwhile, the tart berries balance saffron’s floral warmth. So the two appear side by side in many festive dishes.
How to use barberries at home
Using barberries is easy. First, soak them for a few minutes and rinse away any grit. Then sauté them gently in a little butter with a pinch of sugar. After a minute, they turn plump and glossy. Scatter them over rice or salads. You can buy them from our online store, Mahnaz Food.
Barberries at Lalezar
At Lalezar, barberries brighten several favourites. Enjoy them in our Persian rice, and alongside chicken or tender lamb shank. So come and taste the ruby berries for yourself. Explore the full Lalezar menu, or find your nearest branch.
Frequently asked questions
What are barberries in simple terms?
Simply put, they are small, tart, dried red berries used in Persian cooking to add colour and a fresh, sour flavour.
Are they the same as zereshk?
Yes. Zereshk is simply the Persian name for barberries. The two words mean the same berry.
Where can you buy them?
You can find them at Persian and Middle Eastern grocers, or order them from our online store, Mahnaz Food.