NC- Triangle: Persian Markets?

[meatn3]

Has any one spotted barberries in the area?

I've tried Neomonde and Almadina in Raleigh and neither was familiar with it. One comment on the COTM threads suggested an Iranian/Persian market would be the best shot.

I would rather buy locally than order them.

Thanks!

[meatn3]

I located some at Caspian! Thanks Rockycat - for some reason I thought they were a Russian grocery and hadn't even thought to look there.

3 oz. package was $6.49. You have to ask at the counter. The lady explained that they keep these refrigerated to preserve the color. She said otherwise the berries become brownish - flavor is still good but not as attractive.

They also have the smallest sized container of sumac I've seen. It is about the size of a mid sized jar of McCormic spices. Priced at $2.39.

Wonderful assortment of sausages and pickled products. Other hard to find items include alum for pickling, hazelnuts and several varieties of ladyfingers. Their price on whole nutmeg was quite good and she said it flies off the shelf during the holiday season.

For those not familiar, Caspian is an easy stop off of I -440.
Exit at Capital Blvd. and head north. Perhaps the 3rd light make a left at Brentwood. Caspian is in a small strip center almost immediately on the left, just behind the gas station.

[rockycat]

When were you there? I was in today looking for zhug which they have had in the past but did not have today.

Some of my favorite oddball items at Caspian are the silan, citric acid, falafel Bissli, pumpkin seeds, Russian chocolates by the lb. kept in the fridge (made in B'klyn), and the Spring or Prigat drinks that they have on occasion. Caspian has by far the best, if oddest, selection of Israeli products in Raleigh.

[meatn3]

Too funny! I was there around 4:15ish...

I made it a point to avert my eyes from the chocolates! :-D
I did give in to a few packets of cookies, some new to me flavors of Turkish delight and a bottle of tarragon soda!

I was intrigued by the "waters" - along with orange and rose water there were a number of others. I recall dill water, the others have faded from memory. I was also tempted by the enormous jar of cabbage stuffed peppers - so pretty! But just too massive for my limited refrigerator space.

I'll have to keep an eye out for your favorites! Is silan the same as what is used in this recipe?
http://www.israelikitchen.com/tag/silan/

[rockycat]

That's it. Silan is also known as date syrup, date honey, and date molasses. You can use it nearly anywhere you would use regular honey or molasses.

[LulusMom]

Oh, so good to know about the silan/date syrup name thing. I would have walked right past it. Thanks.

[supernc]

You were thinking about Polonez Euro Market off of Atlantic Springs Road. Russian products.

[rockycat]

Not necessarily. Caspian has many Russian products, ranging from refrigerated meats and breads to candy and canned goods. It's not nearly like being back home in Brighton Beach, but between all the Russian and Israeli products it is a very small taste of home.

[meatn3]

I've been to both in the past - I tend to think of Polonez as largely Polish. My prior visits to Caspian babka & schav had made an impression so I had not considered this store for barberries. Glad I was wrong!

[pamdemic3]

I'd love to know if/where you find them. I received Ottolenghi's new 'Jerusalem' cookbook for the holidays and noticed that a few recipes call for barberries. Thanks!

[Rory]

have you tried Jahan International Market in Chapel Hill?

[meatn3]

I have not looked there - I'm in Raleigh and had just started searching here.

[LulusMom]

Where in CH is Jahan International Market please Rory? I am not familiar with it, and, like meatn3 am looking for a Persian market.

[Remsleep]

It's behind The Pig on Weaver Dairy.

[LulusMom]

Thanks so much - I had no idea there was anything there (although now that I think about it, I do remember there being a great beer store back there a few years back).

[Rory]

yes right where the beer shop had been; also she owns Pomegranate Kitchen, if that helps

[rockycat]

Have you tried Caspian off of Capital on Brentwood? I don't know if they have it but they are Iranian. And they have lots of other neat stuff.

[meatn3]

I should be near there tomorrow - thanks for reminding me about them!