Saffron Rice and Shiraz Wine: The Past & Present of Persian New Year

From fire jumping to colored eggs, Persian New Year (Nowruz) is an epic annual tradition for millions of people worldwide. A celebration of the return of spring, Nowruz is a food-laden affair where thousand-year-old dishes are served each year on Persian tables. Join us as we chat with Iranian-born Merhnoosh Zamani and Kimia Ziafat as they prepare to ring in the new year of 1397 in Vancouver, British Columbia. We'll dig deep into the stories and legends that surround this great holiday, travelling back to the earliest years of the Persian Empire to sit in on the first Nowruz celebration with the mythical King Jamshid and then join King Cyrus the Great for a cup or two of Shiraz wine. Along the way, we'll taste a few classic Persian recipes, uncover the earliest traces of viniculture, and read some fantastically foodie poetry from medieval Persia. 

Written and Produced by Laura Carlson

Technical Direction by Mike Portt

Research and Production Assistance by Leslie Jones, Food Words

Special Guests:

Mehrnoosh Zamani 

Kimia Ziafat (VP External, University of British Columbia Persian Club)

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