Lavashak

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 authentic 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. 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

Lavashak is derived from the word "لواش " (lavash). In the term, lavash refers to anything wide and thin that has been dried. Lavashak is also prepared from the spread and dried extract of various fruits. In the term of nutritional science experts. Lavashak is a type of concentrate. Concentrates are a wide range of foods based on fruit extracts. Since Lavashak is also prepared from fruit extracts, it is considered a kind of concentrate. But it is a natural, traditional, authentic and delicious concentrate. Lavashak has been used since ancient times as a method to preserve fruits over time.

History

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 that are consumed in the market in order to use them in other days of the year. They had learned the art of using salt with meaty fruits. At the same time, they used the power of the sun to dry fruits indirectly.

During the Islamic 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. With the arrival of foreign merchants in Iran, new methods were introduced 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 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 food item abroad.