What is Lavashak? - The Ancient Iranian Fruit Roll-up

I'm a fan of all things sour. From pickled juices like Salgam to the famous Chinese viral Lockthroat Peach, anything that makes my tastebuds curl is a big yes. Just when I thought I'd seen most of it, I came across Lavashak, an Iranian delicacy that every sour food lover MUST try. I was excited to learn about Lavashak, so I did my research.

Here's everything you need to know about these ancient fruit roll-ups.

What is Lavashak made of?

Lavashak is made of fruit - usually sour fruits like plums, pomegranates, cherries, or barberries - that are cooked down into a thick paste and then dried into thin fruit leather sheets. These fruits produce natural molasses, which in return doesn't require added sugar for sweetness, just pure fruit goodness

Where is Lavashak originally from?

Lavashak, also known as Lavash (لواش), originates from Iran and has been a cherished snack in Persian households for generations. The word Lavash translates to little bread. It could very well indicate that people ate Lavashak as a staple or a primary meal back in the day.

This fruity treat is often sold in colourful rolls or sheets and is deeply rooted in Iranian culinary traditions. Lavashak rolls can be found in many Middle Eastern stores and are also the inspiration for Western fruit roll-ups. Recently, since Lavashak took over TikTok, it has become a global sensation.

History of Lavashak Fruit Roll-ups

Persian fruit roll-ups date back centuries and were traditionally made by sun-drying pureed fruits, mainly as a way to preserve seasonal harvests. During the Achaemenid period (550 BC), lavashak was used as a preserved food item to carry during long journeys. In the Middle Ages, it became a celebratory snack, and by the 1900s, Lavashak had reached its peak popularity, spreading across the Middle East, East Asia and the West.

Source: Flickr

Unlike the sugary commercial versions, lavashak rolls rely on natural fruit and often taste more sour than sweet. Iranians have passed down recipes for generations, making it both a nostalgic and healthy snack, similar to the authentic Hawthorn Tanghulu. Today, it's easier than ever to find Lavashak nearby.

Is Lavashak Sweet or Sour?

Original Lavashak is mostly sour, and that’s part of the thrill of eating it! Made from tart fruits like plums, barberries, or sour cherries, lavashak rolls pack a punch of flavour without the need for added sugar. Some varieties can have a touch of sweetness, depending on the fruit used. Commercial fruit roll-ups today use a lot of sweetener to cut through that fruity sourness.

What is the English name for Lavashak?

Well, there is no English name, but Lavashak can be found in the US and Europe as fruit roll-ups or fruit leather. Lavashak first emerged in the USA back in the early 1900s when a Syrian family grocery gained fame for their unique Apricot fruit leather. In 1983, fruit roll-ups, as we know them, were introduced. Thereafter, these Lavashak rolls became a worldwide hit.

Source: Flickr

Is Lavashak Vegan?

Yes. It’s made from just fruit - no animal products, no gelatin, no dairy. Traditional lavashak rolls are crafted by simmering tart fruits and then drying the puree into a thin, chewy sheet. That’s it. If you're wondering what is Lavashak made of, the answer is pure fruit pulp. If you're on a clean, fruit-based diet, Lavashak is the best evening snack to chomp on.

Is Lavashak Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Lavashak is naturally gluten-free. Made from 100% fruit with no wheat, barley, or rye, Lavashak rolls are a safe and delicious treat for anyone avoiding gluten. Some packaged Lavashak comes with pomegranate molasses and certain sauces, just make sure you read through the ingredients and confirm the added ingredients are gluten-free.

How to make Lavashak at home

You'll be surprised to hear that Lavashak is pretty simple to make if you're living in a sunny state. If not, make sure you have a seasoned oven that can withstand 5+ hours of continuous baking. Here's how to make Lavashak at home with ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now.

Ingredients:

• 10 Plums (seeds pitted) and 1/2 cup of water

  Or

• 1 Apple (pear or quince should work too) and 1 Cup of Pomegranate juice

  And

• Salt or 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Lemon increases the sourness)

Method:

• Wash and cut the fruits in half. Make sure you remove the seeds.

• Add them to a pot along with the water and a pinch of salt. Let it boil on medium heat for 10 minutes until the water is evaporated.

• Lower the heat and let the fruits simmer for 30 more minutes.

• Take it off the heat and blend it. (You can use an immersion blender, too)

• Pour the fruit purée onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and spread it evenly using a spatula. Make sure it’s about 1/4 inch thick, with no see-through gaps - this helps it dry evenly and peel off cleanly later.

Dehydrating:

• Sun Drying - Cover it with a cheesecloth to avoid attracting insects, and leave it in the sun until it's fully dehydrated. It usually takes 1 day under the super-hot sun. But give it 2 days for the best outcome.

• Baking - Bake it in an oven at 200°C (392°F) for 5 hours until fully dehydrated.

We, of course, recommend the natural sun drying process as it saves electricity and it's the authentic way to make Lavashak.

How to make Lavashak with Pomegranates?

Making Lavashak with pomegranates is difficult as it doesn't produce a pulp. Instead, you must use a pulp fruit like quince or apple, paired with pomegranate juice. For first timers, we recommend making with plums as it's much easier to handle.

Does Lavashak have added sugar?

Authentic Lavashak you buy from Iran or any Middle Eastern souk has no added sugar. But if you go to a fancy restaurant or buy commercially packaged Lavashak rolls, there's a high chance these contain added sugar. Even fruit roll-ups have added sugar to make the sourness more bearable.

Where to buy Lavashak Rolls?

If you're thinking where to buy Lavashak, the best bet is your local souk or Middle Eastern grocery store. You can buy Lavashak online, but fair warning - it can be pricey. Here’s a fun surprise: some Asian grocery stores carry lavashak too! I was actually hunting for La Tiao at my local Chinese market when I stumbled upon a pack of Lavashak rolls. Turns out, thanks to the old Silk Route, Middle Eastern and East Asian cultures share more culinary overlap than you'd think!

Wrapping Up

And there you go! All you need to know about the sour Iranian candy - Lavashak. If you've never had Lavashak before, make sure you try an authentic one so you get to taste what those Persians ate thousands of years ago.

Will you be making Lavashak at home? Let us know how it goes in the comments below!