Lavashak (Persian: لواشک) is the Persian name for sour and salty fruit leather, a thin, firm and dried plate of pure or mixed fruit puree such as plums, apricots, or pomegranates.

A stand in northern Tehran with dried sour fruits and lavashak in the background.

Lavashak is an ancient Iranian snack that dates back to thousands of years ago. The mass of overcooked fruit is salted, pressed through a sieve, smoothed to a height of approximately two millimeters, and dried until it has cooled down and is firm.[1] Lavashak is also available in Iranian cuisine in sweet, sour and sweet-sour varieties.

From a nutritional perspective, lavashak is an extract from various fruits. For generations, lavashak has been prepared in the traditional way at home. It is now industrially manufactured.

Name

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Lavashak is derived from the Persian word "لواش " (lavash). It refers to anything wide and thin that has been dried. Lavashak is also prepared from the spread and dried extract of various fruits.[2] Lavashak is a type of concentrate. Concentrates are a wide range of foods based on fruit extracts. It is a natural, traditional, ancient and delicious concentrate. Lavashak has been used since ancient times as a method to preserve fruits over time.

History

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The first works of Lavashak in the Iranian region goes back to the Achaemenid period (550-330 BC). During this era, Lavashak was used as a lasting food item during military and commercial journeys. In ancient times, Persians used to make lavashak from large seasonal fruits to use them throughout the year.[3]

During the Medieval era, Lavashak was known as one of the popular and popular snacks in celebrations and religious ceremonies. These dried fruit oils were used as a symbol of happiness in occasions and celebrations.

In the Qajar era, lavashak production and consumption grew as a small industry in Iran and new methods were invented to produce and supply Lavashak to the markets. During this time, Lavashak was used as a popular gift in celebrations and family events.

By the 20th century, with the introduction of modern technology and new methods of production and packaging, the lavashak industry in Iran reached a higher level. Large lavashak production companies entered in this period and lavashak became known as a popular Persian food item abroad.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Najmieh Batmanglij: Plum Paste Rolls (Fruit Roll-ups). In: New Food of Life. Mage Publishers, Washington DC 1992, S. 275
  2. ^ Dehkhoda Dictionary (1st ed.). University of Tehran Press (UTP). 1931. ISBN 9789640396025.
  3. ^ Haghighi, Mohsen (2023). "Introduction to Lavashak and Its Place in Persian Cuisine".
  4. ^ Bashiri, Mohammad (2023). "تاریخچه 2300 ساله ساخت لواشک در ایران".