Barberries have become a delicious and important addition to classic European recipes as well as Iranian recipes, especially the dishes that have game. Truth be told, it’s not a common ingredient and isn’t readily available in every part of the world, which is why you need a substitute. Barberries are known for their tarty and sweet flavor. However, some varieties can be extremely sour, which is why they are consumed with flavoring. So, if you want to substitute barberries for any reason, we have some options lined up!
Substitutes For Barberries
- Dried Cranberries
Cranberries are known for their small size and pink appearance – these berries grow in marshlands throughout the cool and temperate regions of North America. You can use cranberries in dried or fresh form, depending on the recipe. However, dried cranberries are easily interchangeable as they have an intense tarty flavor as well as a higher nutritional content. The tartness of these berries complements the savory recipes pretty well.
The dried cranberries can be used to make jellies and compotes. In addition, the cranberry sauce can be prepared to be served with turkey at thanksgiving dinners. As far as the nutritional profile is concerned, cranberries are loaded with vitamin C and vitamin Bs. Keep in mind that the commercially-available dried cranberries are sweetened, so it’s recommended that you purchase the unsweetened version.
- Dried Sour Cherries
Sour cherries are one of the most delicious substitutes for barberries and are highly acidic. These cherries have a deep red appearance, and the acidity is the primary reason they are used as a substitute for barberries. The sour cherries can be sued in any recipe that needs barberries, including sweet and savory recipes. You can use the sour cherries to prepare compotes and jams, and you can serve them with the game as well as poultry. The best thing about sour cherries is that they improve digestion.
- Rose Hips
The rose hips are basically the seed pods that are taken from the rose plants and aren’t a conventional substitute for barberries. The rose hips are basically on the blossom’s base and have a berry-like appearance. These hips have a tarty flavor, which is why they can be used in place of barberries. The rose hips promise a high source of vitamin C and can be used in the production of syrups and jams. However, these rose hips can only be used in desserts as they don’t taste well in meat.
- Lemon-Soaked Raisins
In this list, raisins are the easiest to find, but it’s recommended that you soak them in lemon juice for some time to use them as a barberry alternative. They have a sweet flavor and are perfect even if you have to make healthy desserts because the calorie count is pretty low. The raisins have slight tartness, but it’s not enough to make raisins usable for savory recipes.
All in all, if you want to use them in place of barberries, it’s recommended that you soak raisins in lemon juice as it helps increase the acidity. Once soaked, the raisins can be used in savory recipes as well. As far as lemon juice is concerned, it’s recommended that you opt for bottled juice because it’s more concentrated.
- Apricots
The apricots are known for their sweet and soft flesh, which is why they can be used in place of barberries. They can be used in dessert fillings as well as pies. You can substitute one cup of barberries with a cup of mashed apricots. It’s recommended that you stew them to make a filling but don’t add sugar because the apricots are already very sweet.
- Cherries
The cherries are extremely similar to barberries and are extremely delicious – they are sweet even when you eat them raw. The best thing about cherries is that they are available in fresh as well as canned and frozen forms. However, fresh cherries should be used in place of barberries. They can be used to make jellies and jams. In addition, they make a delicious topping for cupcakes, cakes, and muffins. Also, they can be used as a filling for tarts and pies as they lend a gooey effect.