Barberries - Berberis Vulgaris
- Rich in vitamin C
- Sour taste reminiscent of currants
- Used in jellies, rice dishes, pilaws, and stews
What are Barberries and How Do They Taste?
Barberries, also known as Berberis Vulgaris, belong to the Berberidaceae family and can be found in Europe and Asia. They are not only ornamental plants but also edible fruits.
Barberries have a sour taste and are rich in vitamin C. They share similarities in taste with currants but have a slightly harsher note. While commonly seen in parks, not everyone is aware of their potential for creating delicious dishes.
In Central Asia, barberries are used as a common spice. In Iran, they have a long tradition of flavoring pilafs, rice dishes, stews, and various meat dishes with barberries. They add a pleasantly sour note to the rice. Barberries are also high in pectin, making them suitable for making jellies and jams.
Culinary Use of Barberries
Barberries can be used to make jellies and jams due to their natural pectin content. In Iran, they are commonly used to season pilafs, rice, and stews.
For a delightful twist, sprinkle barberries on top of lamb during the last 10 minutes of cooking. As they heat up, they burst open, releasing their delicious sour flavor into the lamb.
Barberries pair well with dill, green cardamom, cumin, coriander, bay leaves, saffron, and ceylon cinnamon sticks.
Storage of Barberries
Store barberries in an airtight container, preferably glass jars with screw caps that can be easily sterilized in water. Keep the container protected from sunlight in a cool and dry place.
You can find barberries in various container sizes, ranging from 50g to 1kg, in our online spice shop. Choose the size that suits your needs.
