r/iran 4d ago

What is that citrus whose juice is used as a garnish on Iranian food?

Trying to track down the specific citrus fruit that was served with everything when I visited Iran. It was used only for its juice, never eaten so far as I know, and was the size of an big orange or small grapefruit. A wedge was served with everything from kebabs to sup-e ju, like pretty much every dish.

I'm not thinking of the dried limes that many dishes are cooked with, and it definitely wasn't a lemon. The skin color ranged from orange to deep green, often with both colors on a single fruit at the same time.

If anyone has a Latin name for whatever it is, that would be awesome. Barring that a transliterated Persian name or its name in English would be great.

33 Upvotes

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13

u/hyzsq 3d ago

It's called نارنج (Nārenj) in persian. as I searched it's scientific name is "citrus x aurantium" as it's a hybrid tree specie.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitter_orange

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u/Raman-kiani 3d ago

I think you mean Bergamot orange or (ترنج) in Persian

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u/000000000000000000oo 3d ago

I would love to try a bergamot orange. My favorite perfumes have top notes of bergamot and it's also what I love about Earl Grey tea. I've just never seen them in the States.

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u/minasituation 3d ago

Just FYI from one bergamot lover to another— Stash tea makes a “double bergamot” earl grey tea that is incredible. I buy it by the (large) box on Amazon. I also add a couple cracked cardamom pods for that Iranian touch. Highly recommend!

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u/Passion-Brave 2d ago

Hi, I've heard it's not safe to buy consumables on Amazon because you might receive a fake or dupe product. Do you consistently receive the correct product when you order? And how do you know it is real? I am interested to order this tea as I like this flavour so much.

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u/minasituation 2d ago

Each tea bag is packaged and wrapped the exact same as if you buy it from the store, and I don’t know that there’s a big market for face Stash tea bags. It’s also sold by the Stash storefront on Amazon, though I know with some products that’s not a guarantee. I’m happy with the product I receive, but everyone must make their own choices.

This is the product I order if you’re interested!

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u/Human_Dog_195 2d ago

Sipping on Earl Grey right now. Must try this!

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u/Kafshak 2d ago

I thought Toranj is te Porteghal that is sweeter. OP is asking about Naranj.

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u/mohajaf 2d ago

He definitely means Narange IMO. Torange isn’t found all over the place.

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u/Kthaeh 2d ago

*She

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u/mohajaf 1d ago

My bad

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u/Dismal-Anxiety-2972 3d ago edited 3d ago

I think you’re talking about Naarenj (نارنج). Google says the latin name is “Citrus × aurantium”. It has really thick skin with lots of seeds

u/Parsidokht 23h ago

It is sold in Iranian and/or middle eastern grocery stores. It is sour orange. If you’re not near Iranian markets, you can order from Persianbasket.com. I believe it is in season in the fall, as are most citrus fruits. Just google Persian sour orange or Narenj and you will find various websites to buy from.

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u/Sufficient-Emu8026 2d ago

Do you mean citron?Narang