Mahleb nut – cherry flavored spice
Prunus mahaleb, Mahaleb cherry
Mahleb is an extremely popular spice in Arabic cuisine. It is made from the pits of a special variety of wild cherry (Prunus mahaleb L.) and that is exactly why it smells like cherries. However, you may detect a slightly bitter taste similar to bitter almond. Its aroma is enticing and its taste is subtle.
In the Middle East, it is used to make baked goods, and in European and American cuisine, it is used for Christmas cakes and pastries.
Mahleb is primarily a baking spice suitable for doughy baked goods. It is used in confectionery for the preparation of sweet pastries - cookies, cakes, biscuits.
The fruity flavor of mahleb would enhance a traditional crème brûlée recipe or any recipe you want to add a fruity aroma and taste of cherries and almonds.
And yet, it would be a shame to use it only in "sweet" recipes.
You can sprinkle it over sautéed vegetables or cream soups, rice, and especially carrot or pumpkin dishes.
The aromatic spice is also very suitable for sprinkling on a cheese tart.
Egyptian confectioners prepare a very delicious dessert of sesame, honey, olive oil and a little bit of mahleb, which discreetly reminds of itself. This pasta can also be used to fill delicious rolls.
For an intense and rich aroma of your dishes, the Bilki.bg online store recommends Mahleb whole nut
Tip: Whole mahleb nuts keep well in the freezer for a very long time. Be sure to grind the nut immediately before use for best results.
Synonyms
Mahalab, Mahlab, Mahlebi, Mahaleb.
Mahleb - health benefits
Beneficial for anemia, hair loss, brittle nails, osteoporosis, rheumatism. Improves thyroid function. Helps with hypertension. Improves blood circulation. Strengthens the immune system. Improves vision. Beneficial for liver diseases and varicose veins.
The benefits come from the beneficial compounds it contains, which include:
Coumarins: a set of anti-inflammatory compounds with a wide range of health-enhancing properties and are considered the main source of the nut's aroma.
Oleic acid: contains high levels of oleic acid, belonging to the family of Omega-3 fats.
Linoleic acid: another of the omega fatty acids.
Coumarins are believed to help fight many diseases such as asthma, Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. It is also a natural vasodilator and is prescribed in the Middle East for patients with kidney and bladder stones.
How to use Mahleb nut whole
Culinary purpose: As a seasoning for cookies, cakes, biscuits, creams, tarts, muffins, cheeses, chocolate, etc.
Grate / grind the nut immediately before use.
Tea: 10 g of Mahleb is mixed with 100 g of herbs, preferably with a sweet or neutral taste (for example licorice). It is consumed 2 times a day.
Poultice: Applied externally to the skin in the form of a poultice.
Store in a cool and dry place.
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