Mahlab

Mahlab is a spice derived from the sour cherry stones of the Saint Lucia tree (Prunus mahaleb). The kernels from these cherries are ground to an aromatic powder. The flavour is a combination of bitter almond and cherry. Mahlab is used for its unique taste, ground or whole, to flavour different dishes around the Middle East. If the recipe calls for actual sour cherries (such as the Venison & Sour Cherry Nests), use morello cherries.