Iran food products

Types of Iranian food products

Persian cuisine has a strong sense of historical and ethnic unity. The statoids of Iranian cuisine reflect diversity due to geographic differences, peoples, and historical connections with neighboring countries.

Iran food products are diverse, flavorful, and rich in history. They have a unique blend of spices, herbs, and cooking techniques. Some of the most common types of Iranian food products include:

Spices and Herbs

Spices and herbs are a key element in the preparation of Iran's traditional dishes. Majority of Iranian food is flavored with various herbs and spices. For instance, fresh herbs are very predominant in Iranian salads.

Iranian suppliers sell and use a large variety of dried and fresh herbs, including:

• Cilantro: It is usually mixed with parsley and used as a salad base in the preparation of Iranian salads.
• Dill: It is generally used in rice dishes and stews known in Iranian culture as, Fesenjan.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme is added to meat dishes and marinades.
• Basil: Fresh or dried basil is used in different Iranian dishes despite its popularity in western kitchens.

Rice and Grains

Rice is one of the main staples of Iranian cuisine. Iranians prepare rice in a special way that forms its own unique dish. Persians usually prepare rice so that the grains are separated to avoid making them sticky.

Iranian traders export a variety of rice, including:

• Basmati rice: It has long grains and a nutty flavor. This is usually used in making Persian-style rice dishes.
• Brown rice: This is less common but can be found in some local varieties.
• Wild rice: Despite its name, wild rice is not true rice. It is a grass species that grains resemble rice grains. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Nuts and Dried Fruits

Iranians have a long history of incorporating nuts and dried fruits into their cuisine. Nuts and dried fruits are served alone as snacks or incorporated into savory and sweet dishes in Iran.

For sweet or dessert dishes like Iranian saffron ice cream, dried fruits commonly found in the country include:

• Persian walnuts: They are used to add crunch and richness to many Persian dishes and desserts like baklava.
• Persian pistachios: They are slightly sweeter and more delicate than other varieties. Pistachios are often used in making rice dishes like lamb with pistachio rice.
• Dried figs: Figs are normally sweet and chewy and are used in desserts. They are eaten on their own, added to cheese platters, or used in baked goods.
• Dried apricots: Dried apricots are sweet and slightly tangy and are often added to rice dishes, stews, and baked goods.

Teas and Beverages

Tea is the most popular beverage in Iran, and is widely consumed throughout the day. In Iran, tea is traditionally brewed using green tea leaves blended with black tea leaves to produce a light-colored tea with a slightly stronger flavor.

Persian tea leaves are available in various types, including:

• Gunpowder green tea: This type of tea has silky, rolled leaves with a bold and slightly astringent flavor.
• Ceylon black tea: This black tea is known for its bright, crisp flavor and is commonly used in Iranian chai.
• Darjeeling: This variety is often referred to as the champagne of tea because of its light, floral, and musky flavor.

Ingredient features of Iranian food products

Iranian food is distinguished by its unique flavors, aromas, and textures. This is primarily due to the diverse ingredients that come into its making.

Fresh herbs

Fresh herbs are widely used in Iran cuisine to add brightness and depth to dishes. Large quantities of fresh herbs are added to salads and rice dishes in Persian cuisine.

Commonly used fresh herbs include:

• parsley: Used to add a fresh and slightly peppery flavor to salads and other dishes.
• Cilantro: Used to add a bright and zesty flavor to marinades, sauces, and meat dishes.
• Basil: Used in tea preparation which is common among Iranians.
• Mint: Added to yogurt dishes, tea, desserts, and snacks for a refreshing flavor.

Humongous variety of spices

Iranian cuisine is characterized by a wide variety of spices that are combined to create complex flavor profiles. Besides food, spices are also prominent in Persian cuisine and used for more than just seasoning.

They are also utilized to enhance the food's aesthetic appeal. Some commonly used spices include:

• Saffron: It is a delicate and expensive spice with a unique flavor and aroma. It is used to lend a golden hue to rice and other dishes.
• Turmeric: This spice has earthy and slightly bitter flavor and a warm, golden color. It has a mild flavor and is regularly added to stews and rice dishes.
• Cumin: It is normally earthy and nutty with a slightly smoky flavor. It is commonly used in marinades and meat dishes.
• Sumac: It adds a tangy, lemon-like flavor to salads and grilled meats because of its lemony flavor.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds play a prominent role in Iranian cuisine. They add texture, richness, and nutritional value to a wide range of dishes, both sweet and savory. In Iran, nuts and seeds are often found in both sweet and savory dishes.

Some of the most commonly used nuts and seeds in Persian cooking include:

• Walnuts: Crushed walnuts are used in stews and played a major role in Persian desserts like baklava.
• Pistachios: Sliced or chopped pistachios are used to garnish several Persian rice dishes and desserts.
• Almonds: Slivered or chopped almonds are added to rice pilafs, sweets, and desserts like nougat.
• Sesame seeds: Added to the surface of breads for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
• Sunflower seeds: Added for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.

Uses of Iranian food products

Iranian food products are increasingly being used in both home and professional kitchens across the globe. This is attributed to their strong flavor, superior quality, and unique nature.

Cooking

Iranian food products are widely used in cooking to create authentic Persian dishes. They are generally used in homes and restaurants alike, influencing many global culinary traditions.

Iranian food products like rice, saffron, and spices are used to prepare popular Persian dishes like kabobs, stews, and rice dishes. They are also used in fusion cooking to create unique dishes that blend Persian flavors with other global cuisines.

Baking

Iranian ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, and rosewater are frequently incorporated into baking. They make an important addition to the preparation of traditional Persian sweets like baklava, saffron cookies, and rosewater puddings.

This is because baklava is one of the most popular desserts in the world made with phyllo pastry, nuts, and sweet syrup. The cookie generally has a delicate texture and a distinct flavor, thanks to the addition of saffron and almond meal in Iranian saffron cookies.

Snacking

Iranians enjoy a variety of snacks that are made from nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These snacks offer a healthy and filling option for those looking for a quick bite. Persians often enjoy roasted or spiced nuts as a standalone snack or as part of larger meals.

Special occasions

Iranian food products are widely used during special occasions and holidays to prepare special dishes. For instance, during Nowruz, the Persian New Year, dishes like saffron rice, fish, and pastries are essential feasts for this celebration.

Health and Wellness

Iranian food products like saffron, various seeds, and nuts contribute to health and wellness. For instance, saffron is added to various Iranian dishes for its potential mood-enhancing and antioxidant properties. Nuts and seeds like flax seeds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein.

How to choose Iranian food products

To some buyers, the quality of Iranian food products is of utmost importance. There are several considerations that wholesalers should pay attention to when purchasing Iranian food products.

Below are the main factors to keep in mind to ensure the quality and authenticity of the purchased Iranian food products:

Ingredient quality

Persian cuisine relies heavily on fresh and high-quality ingredients. Wholesalers should ensure the rice, herbs, spices, nuts, and fruits that make the staples of Iranian cuisine are fresh and of high quality. They should also avoid purchasing Iranian food products with additives, artificial colors, or preservatives.

Product packaging

The packaging of Iranian food products plays a major role in preserving the product's freshness and quality. Buyers should purchase products in well-sealed, airtight containers to prevent spoilage and maintain the product's integrity. Attention should also be given to the product's expiry date to avoid purchasing expired products.

Supplier’s reputation

Buyers should work with reputable and established suppliers who have a history of providing high-quality Iranian food products. To help in the decision-making process, wholesalers can read reviews and testimonials from other customers. They can also request samples to assess the product's quality before placing bulk orders.

Pricing

At a basic level, buyers should consider the pricing of Iranian food products to some extent. They should make a comparison of the prices charged by different suppliers who offer the same quality. However, avoid making a decision purely based on price. Quality should be the first consideration, then look for reasonable prices for the preferred quality.

Customer service

A reliable supplier should offer great customer service. They should be responsive and transparent with their stock availability information, orders, and delivery. When selecting a supplier, consider their minimum order quantity, shipping time, and payment options.

Q&A

Can buyers get free shipping when purchasing Iranian food products in bulk online?

Free shipping for bulk orders is sometimes offered by some suppliers as a promotional incentive. However, it's considered a standard practice that buyers should account for in their overall costs. When the shipping cost is high, it affects the product's cost and reduces profit margins.

What are some common carriers used for shipping Iranian food products?

The choice of carrier depends on the destination and the nature of the products being shipped. For perishable goods, carriers with faster delivery times are preferred. Common carriers include DHL, FedEx, and local freight services that specialize in international shipping.

Are there any specific certifications to look for when buying Iranian food products online?

Looking for certain certifications when purchasing Iranian food products online is quite vital. First, buyers should look for quality certifications like ISO or HACCP. Next, ensure the products comply with local food safety standards and regulations. In the U.S. market, a seller should comply with USDA regulations and provide certificates of analysis when needed.

What is the best way for buyers to promote Iranian food products?

The best way to market Persian food is through the power of social media. Wholesalers should share informative and engaging content on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to highlight the products' visual appeal. They should blog about Persian cuisine to educate potential consumers about dishes and ingredients.

Are Iranian food products suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, a lot of Iranian food products are suitable for a vegan diet. They don't contain any animal products. However, there are some Iranian food products that are not vegan, like Persian tea with milk and baklava dessert which contains egg.