Mahlab

The small pit from sour cherries that grow on mahlep trees. Used as a seasoning in Middle Eastern cooking, Mahlab is a tiny kernel that is available as whole and split pieces. Not only is it used to flavor foods but also as an flowery-scented air freshener in some regions of the world. Some of the common foods that are flavored with Mahlab include breads, sweets, cookies, and cakes. It is a common ingredient for use in making holiday breads, cakes and pies such as tsoureki, choereg or flaounes.