KHIRRET

Khirret (Typha pollen) | خرّيط

A rare traditional delicacy from the marshes of southern Iraq, Khirret is made from cattail pollen harvested in early summer. The pollen is sun-dried, then steamed into a soft, fudge-like confection.

Traditionally, Khirret was prepared purely from steamed cattail pollen, without any added sweeteners. In more recent times, sugar or date syrup has been mixed in.

Eaten for thousands of years, Khirret holds special significance among Baghdadi Jews, who traditionally served it during Purim. Valued more for its nourishment and symbolism than its sweetness, it remains a vanishing seasonal delicacy of Iraq’s marshland heritage.