Sharots (շարոց), widely known as sweet soujoukh (քաղցր սուջուխ), is a traditional Armenian confection made by stringing whole or halved walnut halves onto a heavy thread, then dipping them multiple times into a hot, thickened grape or fruit syrup until a thick, chewy coating builds up around the nuts.
What Makes Armenian Sharots Distinctive
- The Jelly Matrix (շիրա): The outer coating is made from fresh grape juice (often reduced or combined with grape molasses/doshab) thickened with flour or starch.
- Warm Aromatic Spices: Unlike similar regional sweets (such as Georgian churchkhela), Armenian sharots is uniquely characterized by its rich blend of ground spices woven directly into the grape mixture, most notably cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and nutmeg.
- Preparation & Curing: After the strings are dipped and set, they are hung to dry for several days until the exterior loses its tackiness. As it cures, a delicate, natural bloom of fine sugar crystals often forms on the outside.
The result is a dense, chewy, aromatic treat with a pleasant contrast between the soft, spiced grape jelly and the crunch of the raw walnuts inside. It remains a staple during festive seasons, winter months, and New Year celebrations.
Soujoukh, Սուջուխ, շարոց;
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Ingredients: walnuts, grape juice, flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, cardamom.
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Product of Armenia.
Vacuumed package to protect from over drying. After taking it out of the package allow drying for a few days for better taste.