PERSIAN PICKS
Take an Iranian and a Cornishwoman, put them in Maritzburg, mix well — and enjoy, writes Shelley Seid
Sharon Ma’ani is co-creator of a range called Kishmish, an assortment of exotic Persian-influenced drinks, teas, spices and preserves. The tastes are unlike anything typically on offer in South Africa: a cordial of lemon and lavender for example, or one of pomegranate and rose that also works as a syrup drizzled over ice cream. There’s a strawberry and blueberry jam with a hint of chilli, a zesty cardamom tea, a Lebanese za’atar spice mix, and a spiced onion and cumin chutney that can elevate a bit of cheese to a gourmet offering.
Sharon has come a long way; literally, in that she began life in Cornwall and moved her entire family across the world to Pietermaritzburg 10 years ago; and figuratively, in that the first time she ate rice was at the age of 16 when invited to lunch with the family of her new Iranian boyfriend, Amal.
The world became a bigger place that day, recalls Sharon. She went on to marry Amal, and found herself fascinated by Persian culture.
“Amal’s mother was a lovely lady who taught me a lot. She was the oldest of 13 children and in those days in Iran nothing went to waste, everything was preserved or dried. They even buried cheese underground. Every household made a mint and vinegar drink, which is so good on a hot day. In some homes the cordial would be poured into a bowl and you could dip sticks of cucumber in it — delicious!”
Three years ago when Amal and Sharon decided to begin their food business, the products were strongly influenced by Amal’s mother’s creations, with an added modern twist. They called it Kishmish, the Persian word for raisins. “It’s what I would give the kids instead of sweets when they were young. We like to try to keep healthy and natural.”
They have 35 products in the range and prefer to use local ingredients, organic where possible, and only natural preservatives like lemon. “Things would last longer if we used chemicals,” says Sharon. “But we want to keep it fresh and, anyway, there is enough of a demand that whatever we make sells immediately.”
They have a range of outlets in Joburg, mostly gourmet delis like Parkhurst’s Nice, Fresh Earth in Greenside and Cheese Gourmet in Linden. In Durban and Maritzburg, they sell through weekend food markets. “We have trebled our output since we started,” says Sharon. “Maritzburg is not exactly the centre of the universe but it is very relaxed. I’m happy to let the business grow at its own pace.” She and Amal have teamed up with Martin Maltby, owner of Essence Café and Deli, to create Zesst, a catering company. They are also planning a cookbook of Persian food and run cooking demonstrations on request. “We work well as a team,” says Sharon.
Order online at kishmish.co.za or contact Sharon on 073 635 2010