Barberry

Fruit

Barberry

Barberries (Berberis spp.), especially dried zereshk of Iranian cookery, are tiny tart red berries that sparkle in rice and meat dishes. Fresh barberries are sharply acidic; dried ones keep colour and sourness. Bloom dried barberries briefly in butter for jeweled rice (zereshk polo); use in sauces and stuffings. Distinct from dried cranberries in size and brightness.

Also known as: Zereshk

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Unit

Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

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Characteristics

Preparations

CookedDriedFreshFrozenJuicedWhole

Provenance

OrganicSeasonalSingle Origin

Sources

Indoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

BrightRubySmallSourTart

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 53.8

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 0.3 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.05 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sodium 4.9 mg
  • Salt 0.01 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 12.4 g
  • Dietary Fibre 1.93 g
  • Total Sugars 10.5 g
  • Complex / starch 0.99 g
  • Protein 0.75 g
  • Water 86.8 g
Detailed nutrients

Fruit energy is mostly natural sugars with fibre and vitamin C varying by species.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Barberry.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

IR

Persian cookery used dried barberries to brighten rice and stews.

IR

Zereshk polo traditions fixed barberries in Iranian festive cooking.

Middle Eastern groceries spread dried barberries to global home cooks.

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