Barberries are the dried fruit traditionally used in the Persian rice dish zereshk polo.
Zereshk polo is a Persian preparation of fragrant rice topped or mixed with zereshk, the Persian name for dried barberries. The berries are small, deep red, and naturally tart. They are usually sautéed briefly with butter or oil and sugar before being spooned over the rice, which balances their sharp acidity.
The rice is commonly prepared using the Persian technique that produces distinct grains and may include a crisp tahdig layer at the bottom of the pot. Zereshk polo is frequently served with saffron-seasoned chicken, although meat accompaniments can vary.
Barberries are not the same as ordinary raisins or dried cranberries. Their tartness is the characteristic flavor that gives the dish its name: “zereshk” means barberry, and “polo” refers to Persian-style rice pilaf.