Do you know Alborz and Karaj souvenirs?
The Alborz Province is a delightful region with a pleasant climate that is definitely worth visiting. In this area, there are numerous picturesque places that attract many residents of Tehran for weekend getaways or even short day trips. Thanks to the abundance of fruit orchards and vegetable gardens, there is a wide variety of Alborz souvenirs, so rest assured that you won’t return empty-handed when traveling to cities in this province. In the following, we would like to acquaint you with some delicious delicacies and handicrafts of Alborz. So, if you plan to visit this beautiful city, don’t miss out on this article from Gulf City Pedia.
Which edible souvenirs are available in Alborz?
Alborz offers a variety of delectable souvenirs, including Damavand honey, green tomatoes, jujubes, almond halva, Taleghan dairy products, Tutak sweets, and various cold-climate fruits.
What handicrafts exist in Alborz?
Alborz is known for some outstanding handicrafts, such as needlework, stone carving, wood carving, glassblowing, and carpet weaving, which are among the finest traditional crafts in the region.
What are the souvenirs of Taleghan?
Taleghan’s specialties include yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, and Taleghan yogurt, all of which are truly exceptional.
Delicious Souvenirs of Alborz
Alborz and Karaj offer various delightful souvenirs, and we introduce some of them in this section.
1- Green Tomatoes, a Beloved Alborz Souvenir:
Green tomatoes are among the fruits that may not immediately appeal to everyone upon hearing their name. Just thinking about this fruit makes your mouth water. These tomatoes are early spring delicacies that you can purchase during your trip to Karaj, and they are so flavorful that you might finish them all on the first day.
Green tomatoes are not only delicious but also have numerous health benefits. They aid in liver cleansing and stomach acid regulation. Additionally, they are rich in vitamin C, making them beneficial for the body. So, enjoying these tasty tomatoes is both a treat and a visual delight. Most of these tomatoes are harvested in Shahr-e Rey orchards and are sent to other cities and provinces from there, ensuring that everyone gets to experience this delicious gift from Alborz.
2- Tutak Sweets, a Nationally Registered Delicacy:
Tutak is considered one of the best and most famous Alborz souvenirs, and its sight alone arouses the desire to indulge in its sweetness. Tutak is predominantly prepared during holidays, and interestingly, it has obtained national recognition. Many families in Kakhi, along with celebrating New Year traditions, bake this unique and delicious pastry. Tutak is the result of the skilled hands of bakery women who prepare this treat with love, resulting in a sweet and memorable taste that appeals to everyone’s palate.
3- Taleghan Dairy Products, Exemplary Among Dairy Treats:
Another Alborz souvenir is the delicious Taleghan dairy products, which are highly popular among people of all ages. Once you try the taste of Taleghan dairy products, other milk and yogurt will never satisfy you. Statistics show that many provinces around Alborz purchase dairy products from this city. Taleghan’s local cheese is incomparable to other dairy products, offering a memorable taste that lingers in your mouth. The region is considered the hub of local cheese production in the country.
4- Jujubes, One of the Best Alborz Souvenirs:
Jujubes are another popular souvenir found abundantly in Alborz, available in both dried and fresh forms. Dried jujubes have a long shelf life, making them a perfect choice as a souvenir. The antioxidant properties of jujubes are noteworthy, helping to prevent premature aging when consumed daily.
5- Damavand Almond Halva:
A unique Karaj souvenir is the almond halva of Damavand, which is not only delicious but also offers various health benefits. This special halva is prepared without the use of sugar, relying on the nutritious combination of almonds, rice flour, honey, and saffron. The pleasant sweetness and rich energy of Damavand almond halva make it a delightful choice, particularly enjoyable with afternoon tea.
6- Damavand Honey, Globally Beloved:
The fame of Damavand honey dates back to ancient times. Beekeeping is a significant branch of agriculture in Damavand, and with the prevalence of this profession, agriculture has flourished even more in the region. Bee activity not only results in honey production but also disperses plant pollens in the gardens. It’s interesting to note that 90% of the benefits of bees are dedicated to increasing agricultural products, and only 10% is related to honey production.
7- Various Fruits of Damavand:
People in surrounding provinces eagerly await the arrival of the month of Mehr to enjoy the sweet and juicy Damavand apples. This fruit is not only beloved among the residents of Karaj but is also one of the most popular exported fruits in the country. However, Damavand’s orchards are not limited to apples, as they also boast gardens of pears, green tomatoes, walnuts, cherries, and more.
The climate of Damavand, with its ideal conditions, has contributed to the flourishing growth of various fruits in Karaj’s orchards. The orchards display a myriad of colors and flavors in spring, enticing your appetite at just the sight of them.
Handicrafts of Alborz Province
This vibrant city not only boasts delicious treats but also showcases beautiful handicrafts.
1- Needlework
This art form is one of the authentic handicrafts of our beloved country, prevalent in many cities across Iran. Needlework workshops are mostly found in Alborz and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. Needlework can be considered a tapestry of a woman’s dreams and aspirations, as she skillfully embroiders beautiful patterns on fabric with unique artistry.
By gazing at these unique handcrafted pieces, you can immerse yourself in the secrets and stories behind them. Needlework fabrics have remarkable beauty, and gifting them will bring joy to your friends.
2.Handicrafts of Alborz Province 2- Lapidary
Lapidary is another traditional handicraft of Alborz, although it is a highly challenging art. Artists, with creativity, skill, and special tools, create intricate patterns on stones to showcase their art. Lapidarists, by removing excess parts from robust stones, craft beautiful and captivating patterns that attract the attention of passersby. If you appreciate sculptures and decorative statues, stone objects are among the most desirable souvenirs of Alborz.
3- Wood Carving, an Authentic Art among Alborz Handicrafts
Wood carving is another authentic Iranian art that originated in Isfahan. This art is considered one of the most delicate crafts globally, and people worldwide go to great lengths to buy it. Artists use simple tools to carve beautiful patterns on woods like walnut, sumac, and pear before starting their work.
The engravings of wood carving have unique designs, including Kufic scripts, Islamic patterns, flowers, and bushes. Carving is mostly done on the wood of walnut, sumac, and pear trees due to their higher strength, and the artist must identify the wood type before starting the work.
4- Glassblowing, Shaping Glass with the Hands of an Artist
Before starting their work, glassblowers heat the glass to be able to shape it. Using special tools and blowing air into the glass, they create extraordinary shapes with remarkable beauty. Interestingly, in the past, Alborz glassblowers used silica stones for their art, but today, due to cost-effective materials, this substance has been replaced by glass fragments.
After the glass is prepared, it undergoes some grinding, and vibrant colors are applied to enhance the beauty of the structures. When the creation of objects is complete, they spend some time in the kiln to ensure the colors become an integral part of the glass.
5- Kilim Weaving, Another of Alborz’s Handicrafts
Kilim weaving is a well-known art in Iran, engaging numerous individuals throughout the country. Artists skillfully weave pile-less threads together, creating marvelous patterns with threads. The patterns on kilims are inspired by the culture, traditions, beliefs, and customs of ancestors, reminding us of our forebears. If you’re looking for a traditional gift among Alborz souvenirs, make sure to purchase a kilim.
Kilims and jajims, thanks to the traditions and rituals of past generations, each region of the country has its unique souvenirs. Alborz is one of the charming areas around Tehran, and many people travel to it to spend their leisure time. Therefore, in this article, we introduced some of the most popular souvenirs of Alborz. If you’ve experienced buying souvenirs or handicrafts from Alborz, we’d be delighted if you share your thoughts with us.
