Zerde
In its own language: زرده
A golden rice pudding with saffron, rose water and dried fruit, served cold
Zerde is a festive rice pudding from Iran, now also found in Turkey and Iraq. Saffron gives it a bright yellow color and floral aroma, while rose water, raisins, pistachios, and sugar add sweetness and texture. Traditionally served cold, zerde is made with water instead of milk and is often enjoyed at weddings and religious celebrations.
- Zerde is made with water, not milk, unlike most rice puddings.
- Saffron gives zerde its distinctive golden color and aroma.
- It is a traditional dessert at weddings and Islamic festivals.
- Popular in Iran, Turkey, and Iraq, especially in rice-growing regions.
- Often garnished with pistachios and raisins.
What is Zerde?
Zerde is a rice-based dessert that stands out for its vivid yellow color, which comes from saffron. The pudding is sweetened with sugar and scented with rose water, giving it a delicate floral taste. Raisins and pistachios are mixed in or sprinkled on top, adding bursts of sweetness and a gentle crunch. Unlike many rice puddings, zerde is made with water, not milk, so it is lighter and vegan-friendly. Served cold, it is both refreshing and aromatic.
Where does Zerde come from?
Zerde has its roots in Iranian cuisine, with its name coming from the Persian word for yellow, 'zard'. Over time, it became popular in Turkey and Iraq, especially in regions where rice is widely grown, such as Eastern Thrace in Turkey. The dish is mentioned in 19th-century Ottoman Turkish dictionaries, showing its long history in the region. Its use of saffron and rose water points to Persian influences, and it has become a part of festive and religious traditions.
How is Zerde made?
To make zerde, rice is simmered in water until soft. Saffron is added early to infuse the grains with color and aroma. Sugar sweetens the pudding, while rose water is stirred in for fragrance. Raisins are often mixed in, and pistachios are used as a garnish. In some Turkish regions, turmeric is added for a deeper yellow. The pudding is cooled before serving, which helps set its texture and intensifies the flavors.
How and when is Zerde eaten?
Zerde is served cold, usually as a dessert after meals or at special gatherings. It is a traditional treat at weddings, births, and during religious festivals, especially in Muslim communities. In Turkey, it is common in areas with large rice harvests, and local fruits may be added for extra flavor. The dish is often presented in bowls or cups, with a scattering of nuts and dried fruit on top.
Kinds of Zerde
Regional versions of zerde differ mainly in the fruits and nuts used for flavoring. In some Turkish areas, turmeric is included for a brighter color. The choice of dried fruits can change based on what is available locally. While the classic version uses raisins and pistachios, other nuts or fruits may appear in different towns or families. The basic method—cooking rice with saffron and rose water—remains the same.
What Zerde means
Zerde is closely tied to celebration and ritual in Iran, Turkey, and Iraq. It is especially popular during the first Sunday of Sha'aban and the first ten days of Muharram, marking important dates in the Islamic calendar. The dessert is also a symbol of joy at weddings and births. Its golden color, from saffron, is seen as auspicious. In Turkey, zerde is a favorite in regions where rice is a staple crop.
Questions people ask about Zerde
What is zerde made of?
Zerde is made from rice, saffron, rose water, sugar, raisins, pistachios, and water. It does not contain milk, making it lighter than many other rice puddings.
Where does zerde come from?
Zerde originated in Iran and later became popular in Turkey and Iraq, especially in regions where rice is widely grown.
How is zerde different from regular rice pudding?
Unlike most rice puddings, zerde is cooked with water instead of milk and is flavored with saffron and rose water, giving it a unique color and floral taste.
When is zerde usually eaten?
Zerde is often served at weddings, births, and during religious festivals such as the first Sunday of Sha'aban and the first ten days of Muharram.
Is zerde suitable for vegans?
Yes, zerde contains no animal products, as it is made with water rather than milk or eggs.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Zerde", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
More from Iran
All the food of Iran
BaklavaVegetarianباقلوا
🇹🇷 Turkey and 5 moreThin pastry filled with nuts and soaked in sweet syrup
Sweet or dessert, Tea time, Snacks
JalebiVegetarian
🇮🇳 India and 6 moreDeep-fried spirals of batter soaked in syrup, enjoyed across Asia and Africa
Pie or savoury pastry, Breakfast, Snacks
SharbatVeganشربت
🇮🇷 Iran and 5 moreSweet fruit or flower drink, served chilled or as a syrup
Drink, Snacks
Its cousins elsewhere
All sweets and desserts
SimaVegan
🇫🇮 FinlandFinnish sparkling lemon drink, lightly fermented and sweet
Drink, Snacks
Saffron bunVegetarian
🇬🇧 United Kingdom and 3 moreSweet yeasted bun coloured and flavoured with saffron and dried fruit
Sweet or dessert, Tea time, Snacks
Hot chocolate
🇲🇽 Mexico and 5 moreA warm drink made from chocolate or cocoa, milk or water, and sugar
Drink, Breakfast, Snacks
PanettoneVegetarian
🇮🇹 Italy and 2 moreTall, sweet Italian bread with candied fruit, eaten at Christmas and New Year
Sweet or dessert, Breakfast, Tea time