Mahleb or Mahalepi is an aromatic spice made from the seeds of a species of cherry, Prunus mahaleb (the Mahaleb or St Lucie cherry). Mahleb, also known as bitter cherry, is a type of cherry that has a hard wood and non-edible fruit. The leaves are round or oval with a sharp or slightly elongated, round or heart-shaped base and glandular arched teeth. The color of the leaves is light green, shiny and smooth, and the veins behind it are furry. Dimensions 6-8 by 6-5 cm and petiole length is 3 cm. The petiole has no glands or one or two glands. The flowers of this tree are white and fragrant and give a bitter almond scent. The ovary is smooth and its axis is a smooth oval with dimensions of 7-12 * 6-10 mm, which first turns yellow and then red and black and has a sour taste. When the fruit ripens, the kernels are pounded and used sparingly in bread and pastries. Its flavour is similar to a combination of bitter almond and cherry, and similar also to marzipan. It grows in southern Europe, Asia Minor, Iran and Pakistan.
EXPORT, Medicinal Plants, Spices
Mahleb
| Scientific name | Prunus mahaleb |
|---|---|
| Other name | St Lucie cherry |
| Greek name | Machlép, Machlepi |
| Plant type | Deciduous tree or shrub |
| Harvested parts | Fruit, Seeds |
| Main producer | Iran |
| Main use | Flavoring for baked goods |
| Taste | Cross between a bitter almond, cherry with a hint of rose |
