Lavashak (لواشک) are thin sheets of dried fruit purée, known for their sour to sweet-and-sour taste and slightly chewy texture. This popular traditional Iranian treat is especially loved by children.
Lavashak: Dried Fruit Sheets
How Lavashak Is Made
The preparation of lavashak begins with selecting suitable fruits, which are typically cooked down into a thick purée. The most commonly used fruits include plums, apricots, apples, sour cherries, cherries, peaches, pomegranates, mulberries, or mixes of several fruits. Once cooked, the fruit is strained to create a smooth mixture free of pits and skins, although seeds may sometimes be left in.
The finished purée is spread in a thin layer over a smooth surface and dried either traditionally under the sun or more modernly in industrial dryers. The drying time usually takes a few days for traditional methods or a few hours in industrial facilities.
The final product is a thin and flexible sheet of fruit purée, which is cut into smaller pieces or rolled into a log shape before consumption.
Popular Flavors and Variations of Lavashak
Some of the most popular lavashak flavors include:
- Plum lavashak – a traditional flavor with a strong sourness.
- Apricot lavashak – a sweet-and-sour, milder flavor.
- Sour cherry lavashak – an intense, tangier taste.
- Pomegranate lavashak – a typical Iranian specialty with a distinctly sour and refreshing flavor (my favorite).
In addition to single-fruit lavashak, there are also variations combining multiple types of fruits, often blending sweeter and tangier varieties.
Lavashak has a long history in Iran, likely dating back several centuries. Due to its simple method of fruit processing and the ability to store it for long periods, lavashak was traditionally prepared as a practical way to preserve seasonal fruits, especially in regions where fresh fruit could not be stored year-round.
Today, lavashak is commonly sold at markets and bazaars, as well as in modern supermarkets throughout Iran. However, many Iranians still prepare it at home.
Similar Foods in Other Countries and Differences
Lavashak belongs to a broader category of fruit-based treats that are made in similar ways in many cultures around the world. Some of the most well-known similar products include:
- Tklapi (Georgia) – a Georgian treat made in a similar way.
- Pestil (Turkey) – the Turkish version of fruit sheets, often sweeter and sometimes enriched with nuts or honey.
- Fruit leather (United States and Europe) – a popular Western version, often industrially produced; it usually contains added sugar or honey and tends to be less sour than Iranian lavashak.
Have you tried Iranian lavashak?
Bon appétit!
