Global Market international grocery store entrance in Alpharetta, Georgia

North Atlanta’s food scene has become increasingly international, and one place where that diversity shows up clearly is the Persian grocery aisle. At stores such as Global Market in Alpharetta, shoppers can find ingredients that rarely appear in typical American supermarkets.

Persian cooking relies heavily on herbs, dried fruits, aromatic spices, and ingredients that create a balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

Here are ten ingredients commonly found at Persian grocery stores around Alpharetta and North Atlanta that many residents may not encounter elsewhere.

Saffron

Saffron is perhaps the most famous ingredient in Persian cooking. These deep red threads come from the saffron crocus flower and are used to flavor and color dishes such as rice, stews, and desserts.

Persian saffron is known for its strong aroma and vivid color. Even a small pinch can transform a pot of rice.

Dried Limes (Limoo Amani)

Dried limes are small brown or black citrus fruits that have been boiled and dried in the sun. They add a deep sour flavor to Persian stews.

They are commonly used in dishes such as ghormeh sabzi or various bean and meat stews, where the lime slowly releases its tangy flavor during cooking.

Barberries (Zereshk)

Barberries are tiny bright red berries with a sharp tart flavor. They are often sprinkled over saffron rice dishes and provide a distinctive sweet-sour contrast.

In many Persian kitchens, zereshk is a staple ingredient used in dishes like zereshk polo.

Lavashak (Persian Fruit Leather)

Lavashak is a traditional Persian fruit leather made from pureed fruit that has been dried into thin sheets. It often comes from sour fruits such as plum, pomegranate, or apricot.

The flavor is intensely tart and is popular as a snack across Iran.

Persian Pickles (Torshi)

Persian pickles, known as torshi, are usually made with vinegar, vegetables, herbs, and spices. They can include eggplant, cauliflower, carrots, garlic, or mixed vegetables.

Torshi is commonly served alongside rice dishes and stews to add acidity and crunch.

Persian Tea

Tea is central to Persian hospitality. Most Persian grocery stores carry strong black teas imported from regions such as Ceylon or blends popular across Iran.

The tea is often brewed strong and served in small glasses, sometimes with sugar cubes or dates.

Rose Water

Rose water appears in many Persian desserts and drinks. It adds a floral aroma to sweets such as rice pudding, pastries, and ice cream.

A small amount goes a long way, and the scent is unmistakable.

Pistachios

Iran has historically been one of the world’s major producers of pistachios. Persian groceries often carry roasted pistachios with distinctive seasoning blends or salt levels.

They are widely used both as snacks and as garnish in desserts and rice dishes.

Interior of Global Market in Alpharetta showing Persian and Middle Eastern grocery items, baked goods, pickles, and specialty products — Inside Global Market in Alpharetta, where shoppers can find a wide range of Persian and Middle Eastern groceries, baked goods, and specialty ingredients.

Fresh Herbs by the Bundle

Persian cooking uses large quantities of fresh herbs. Grocery stores serving Persian communities often sell big bundles of parsley, cilantro, dill, mint, and green onions.

These herbs are used for herb platters, salads, and famous dishes such as ghormeh sabzi.