This post is dedicated to Iranian (Persian)-specific cooking ingredients. If you have a Mediterranean, Greek, or Middle Eastern grocery store near you, give them a call and ask—they may carry what you're looking for.
- Zereshk (dried barberry) [Berberis vulgaris]. Kalamala Persian Grocery—https://kalamala.com—is the only source I have used to purchase high quality zereshk. 15922 Strathern St. #14. Los Angeles, CA 91406. They have $7.99 flat rate shipping to the continental US only. Store zereshk in fridge in ziplock bags and they last about a little under 12 months. 907 g (2 lbs) zereshk cost $19.59 + $7.99 (Flat Rate Shipping) = $27.58.
- Limoo amani (dried limes). This is not an Iran-exclusive ingredient—you’ll find limoo amani used in Iraqi and other Middle Eastern cuisines. I was fortunate to source it locally from County Square Market, a Filipino-owned Asian grocery in Vacaville, California. They have a small section dedicated to Sadaf® products. Before this discovery, I used to drive 76 miles round trip to Super Tehran Market at 1112 Meadow Ln, Concord, CA 94520. 113 g (4 oz) limoo amani cost $3.39. Locally.
- Golpar (Persian hogweed) [Heracleum persicum]. This is another uniquely essential Persian spice, most commonly sold in ground form. The whole seeds are expensive, and in my opinion, not worth the purchase—stick to powdered golpar instead. Be aware that packaging is often mislabeled as "ground Angelica" (Angelica spp.). Do not confuse golpar (Heracleum persicum) with Angelica spp., as they are entirely different botanicals. 43 g (1.5 oz) golpar cost $2.59. Locally.
The following ingredients are commonly available locally at County Square Market and Super Tehran Market. If not, check Kalamala Persian Grocery as an alternative source.
- Rob-e anar (pomegranate molasses). 10 fl oz rob-e anar cost $5.99. Locally.
- Shireh angoor (grape molasses). 16 fl oz shireh angoor cost $5.00. Locally.
- Ab-ghooreh (verjuice / sour [unripe] grape juice). 32 fl oz ab-ghooreh cost $13.49. Locally.
This is another compulsory spice in Marathi cuisine. It’s fascinating how Sichuan green peppercorns found their way into the Malabar region of India, becoming an integral part of Goan and Konkani cuisine.
- Tirphal / teppal (Sichuan green peppercorns) [Zanthoxylum armatum]. 3 oz tirphal / teppal cost $5.99. Locally.
