What is Mahlepi used for?

Mahlepi is used mainly in holiday breadmaking and in some pastry. The kernels either have to be ground or boiled as an infusion and strained to obtain the most flavor. You can find it in Greek and Middle Eastern food shops all over the world.

What is Mahlepi made from?

Persian cherry tree
Mahlepi (also known as mahlebi or mahlab, amongst its various other spellings) is a unique Greek spice with a distinctive, fruity taste. Mahlepi powder is made from the inner kernels of fruit pits from a native Persian cherry tree.

What does Mahlepi taste like?

When mahlab first hits your tongue it tastes a bit like cherries, a bit like roses, and a bit like almonds. There’s a hint of vanilla and something quite floral. Its aftertaste, though, is quite bitter. When cooked, everything changes.

Is Mahaleb poisonous?

The genus prunus is known to produce hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous compound that―in small amounts― can stimulate respiration and improve digestion. The bark, wood, and seeds of Mahaleb cherry contain coumarin, which reportedly has anti-inflammatory effects.

Does Mahlepi go bad?

Mahlepi is sold as whole seeds and ground and should be light beige in color (they get dark when they’re old and stale). Whole seeds have a longer shelf life and can be frozen (in a heavy-duty freezer bag) up to two years.

Is Mahleb poisonous?

Mahleb seeds contain a small amount of 2 kinds of poisons: (1). But that is only one part of the poisonous issue here. (2). The other poison contained in these seeds is amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside which releases cyanide upon digestion and metabolism in the body.

Where can I find mahlab?

Mahlab powder is sometimes available in larger markets in the U.S., and you can often find it in specialty groceries that cater to Mediterranean and/or Middle Eastern cuisines, particularly around Easter. Ground mahlab is also available online.

Does mahlepi go bad?

What is Mahaleb used for?

Mahleb is used in small quantities to sharpen sweet foods and cakes, and is used in production of tresse cheese. It has been used for centuries in the Middle East and the surrounding areas as a flavoring for baked goods.

What can I use instead of mahlab?

Substitutes. Ground Chinese almonds, dried apricot kernels, ground fennel seeds or cardamom can all be substituted for mahlab if you can’t get your hands on the real deal. Alternatively, you can grind together one 2-inch stick of cinnamon with three whole cloves and a bay leaf.

Does mahlab contain cyanide?

Mahleb seeds contain a small amount of 2 kinds of poisons: (1). an anticoagulant liver toxin called coumarin. The other poison contained in these seeds is amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside which releases cyanide upon digestion and metabolism in the body.

Is Mahleb safe?

It is just a good idea to be aware not to consume too much Cassia cinnamon or Mahleb. European authorities have established safe levels of maximum coumarin daily consumption, and this translates (in my calculations) to roughly a maximum of 1 teaspoon Mahleb seeds for a person who weighs 160 pounds.

What is mahleb or mahalepi?

Mahleb or Mahalepi is an aromatic spice made from the seeds of a species of cherry, Prunus mahaleb (the Mahaleb or St Lucie cherry).

What is mahlepi in Greek Cooking?

In Greek American cooking, it is the characteristic flavoring of Christmas cake and pastry recipes. In Greece, it is called Mahlepi and is used in egg-rich yeast cakes and cookies such as Christmas vasilopita and Easter tsoureki breads.

What does mahlep taste like?

Mahlep is an aromatic spice made from a variety of cherry seed. It tastes a little bit like bitter almonds and cherries. In recent decades, it has been slowly entering mainstream cookbooks in English. In Greek American cooking, it is the characteristic flavoring of Christmas cake and pastry recipes.

What is mahleb seed used for?

The seed kernel is ground to a powder before use. Its flavour is similar to a combination of bitter almond and cherry, and similar also to marzipan. Mahleb is used in small quantities to sharpen sweet foods and cakes, and is used in production of tresse cheese .