A Confection Rooted in History
Among the jewels of Persian sweets, Sohan holds a special place. Originating in the holy city of Qom, this saffron brittle toffee is celebrated for its golden hue, crisp texture, and fragrant depth. More than just a treat, Sohan is a cultural emblem — a sweet that carries centuries of craftsmanship, hospitality, and pride.
The Origins of Sohan
Sohan first appeared during the Qajar dynasty in the 19th century. Local confectioners in Qom developed the recipe as a celebratory sweet, combining sugar, wheat sprout, butter, and saffron into a brittle candy. Over time, it became a regional specialty that defined the city’s culinary identity. Pilgrims to Qom began taking Sohan home as a gift, spreading its fame across Iran.
The Role of Saffron
What makes Sohan exceptional is its generous use of saffron — the golden spice of Persia. The saffron not only colors the brittle but also perfumes it with a floral, honeyed aroma. Combined with rose water, cardamom, and nuts, the flavor becomes uniquely Persian: sweet, fragrant, and layered with complexity.
Traditional Craftsmanship
The making of Sohan is an art. Confectioners cook sugar and butter with wheat sprout flour, constantly stirring to achieve the perfect brittle consistency. Once poured onto trays, the mixture is pressed with pistachios or almonds, then cut into discs or shards. The result is a crisp, golden toffee that cracks and melts on the tongue, releasing both sweetness and fragrance.
Sohan in Persian Culture
In Persian tradition, gifting Sohan is a sign of respect, generosity, and cultural pride. Families often present it during Nowruz, weddings, and religious gatherings. Its association with Qom also gives it a spiritual resonance, linking the sweet to pilgrimage and blessing. To this day, bringing back a box of Sohan from Qom is considered a cherished gesture of love and thoughtfulness.
Modern Adaptations
Contemporary artisans have expanded on classic Sohan recipes, creating variations with chocolate coatings, saffron-honey fusions, or luxury packaging. In the Persian diaspora, chefs craft Sohan-inspired truffles or use the brittle as a topping for ice creams and cakes, blending heritage with innovation.
Sohan as a Gourmet Gift
For Persian-Americans, Sohan remains a perfect gift — a symbol of culture wrapped in golden sweetness. Elegant boxes of saffron brittle, adorned with pistachios, make for memorable offerings during holidays or family visits. At Shekoh Confections, saffron, rose water, and pistachios are reimagined into modern chocolates and brittles, continuing the tradition of gifting Sohan with luxury and artistry.
A Golden Legacy
Sohan is more than a brittle — it is the story of Persia’s artistry, resilience, and sweetness. From the holy city of Qom to homes around the world, it remains a timeless confection that connects tradition with indulgence. Each golden shard carries with it a piece of Persian culture, reminding us that sweetness is both a flavor and a heritage.
