Qamar al-Din

What is Qamar al-Din?

Qamar al-Din is a dense, sun-dried apricot fruit leather that is often turned into a sweet, thick drink. The fruit leather has a deep orange color and a strong apricot flavor, more intense than ordinary versions. When prepared as a beverage, it is usually mixed with water and floral waters like orange blossom or rosewater, sometimes with added ice or apricot pieces. The drink is served cold and is especially valued for its refreshing and energizing qualities after fasting.

Where does Qamar al-Din come from?

Qamar al-Din comes from Syria, with its roots in the Ghouta region, where a special variety of apricot is grown. References to apricots called qamar al-din appear in medieval writings, and the fruit leather is mentioned in a 13th-century Levantine cookbook. The name's origin is debated: some say it was named after its inventor, while others link it to the timing of apricot season with the new moon of Ramadan. Syrian qamar al-din is still prized for its quality.

How is Qamar al-Din made?

To make qamar al-din, ripe apricots are boiled with sugar, then strained through an olive-oiled wooden sieve. The mixture is spread out and dried in the sun until it becomes a thick, flexible sheet of fruit leather. This leather is then cut, packaged, and sold. To prepare the drink, pieces of the leather are dissolved in water, often with orange blossom or rosewater, and sometimes with ice or extra fruit added.

How and when is Qamar al-Din eaten?

Qamar al-Din is most often enjoyed as a cold, thick drink during Ramadan, helping to restore energy and hydration after fasting. In the Levant, it may be served with pine nuts and ice, or simply as a sweet snack by itself. Sometimes, the fruit leather is wrapped around walnuts for a quick bite. It is also used to flavor desserts like muhallebi pudding and ice cream, especially during festive times.

Kinds of Qamar al-Din

While the classic version uses only apricots and sugar, some people add orange juice or plain water instead of floral waters. In Egypt and the Levant, qamar al-din is sometimes garnished with pine nuts or combined with walnuts. It is also used as a flavoring for puddings and ice creams. The best-known version is made from Syrian apricots, but similar drinks and snacks are found across the Middle East and North Africa.

What Qamar al-Din means

Qamar al-Din is closely tied to Ramadan, when it is a traditional way to break the daily fast. Its reputation for restoring energy and hydration makes it especially valued during this month. The drink is enjoyed across the Arab world and in Somalia, but Syrian qamar al-din is considered the finest. It is part of both everyday snacking and special festive meals, reflecting its deep roots in local food culture.

When Qamar al-Din is on the table

Questions people ask about Qamar al-Din

Good reading and sources

• Qamar al-din on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data