“Mahlepi”, Mahleb Powder – “India”

Mahlepi… for your Tsoureki!

Mahleb is an aromatic spice made from the seeds of a species of cherry, Prunus mahaleb (the Mahaleb or St Lucie cherry). The cherry stones are cracked to extract the seed kernel, which is about 5 mm diameter, soft & chewy on extraction. The seed kernel is ground to a powder before use. Its flavour is similar to a combination of bitter almond & cherry & is used in small quantities to sharpen sweet foods & cakes. In Greek cuisine, mahleb is sometimes added to different types of holiday tsoureki breads, including Christmas bread, the New Year’s vasilopita & the braided Easter bread.

Let’s start braiding…