Gaz

Gaz is the Iranian variety of nougat. Nowadays it is mostly prepared with a blend of egg whites, sugar, and nuts, but the original gaz consists of slightly different ingredients. The raw gaz is an exudate of an insect, which is found and collected from wild tamarisk trees. After it has been collected, it is melted, sieved, mixed with nuts, then flavored with typical aromas such as rose water and saffron. Finally, gaz is shaped into logs or rectangles and cut into smaller pieces. Traditionally produced gaz is a seasonal ingredient, native to the city of Isfahan, which is abundant with tamarisk trees. Since it is a rare ingredient, raw gaz is often mixed with egg whites or entirely substituted with a blend of egg whites and sugar syrup. Gaz is a popular sweet treat across Iran and is traditionally associated with special and festive occasions. Since it transports easily, it is one of the favorite Iranian souvenirs. Iranians prefer to eat it as a snack alongside warm tea or sherbet.