The sweet of Isfahan
Gaz is a soft white nougat, traditionally made in Isfahan from a syrup, egg white and nuts, with pistachios or almonds pressed into it and often dusted with flour. It is sold in boxes and given as a gift, and many visitors bring a box home from Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
The nut from Iran
The pistachio tree is native to Iran and Central Asia, and pistachio seeds have been eaten in the region for thousands of years. The word itself comes from the Middle Persian pistake. Iran produced about 316,000 tonnes in 2024, third in the world, and about 150,000 farmers grow it, most of them on small farms.
At the table
Pistachios go into sweets, ice cream, rice and stews. Pair a box of gaz with a glass of Persian tea. See also saffron and Persian cuisine.
