Senjed is one of the seven symbolic items traditionally placed on a Haft-sin table. It is the dried fruit of the oleaster tree, also known as Russian olive or Persian olive.
Its Persian name begins with the letter sin, satisfying Haft-sin’s defining pattern: haft means “seven,” while sin is the Persian letter “S.” The other principal items include sabzeh sprouts, samanu, garlic, apple, sumac, and vinegar.
Senjed is often linked symbolically with love, affection, or the power of love. In practice, it is usually presented as a small bowl of dried, wrinkled fruit, whose sweet and slightly floury flesh surrounds a hard seed.
Dates, pistachios, and almonds may be served during Nowruz or appear in regional festive foods, but they are not the standard senjed item in the Haft-sin list. Afghanistan’s separate Haft-mewa tradition, a mixture of dried fruits and nuts, is another possible source of confusion.