Armenians were making these sweet sheets of pureed fruits centuries before the Fruit Roll-Up!

The sight of Pastegh will likely delight any tourist hooked on this popular American snack brand “Fruit Roll-Up”. Pastegh (Ttu Lavash) - is traditional fruit leather found throughout Armenia, where the vendors sell it in big sheets resembling a super-sized Fruit Roll-Up. The name “Ttu Lavash” means “Sour Lavash” which refers to the thin, easily rolled flatbread that’s a staple of Armenian cuisine.

The Pastegh isn’t just a tasty treat: it’s an ancient Armenian practical food storage solution for the country blessed with fruit. In Armenia, where even in large cities the fruit trees grow in the courtyards, there are many ways to process crops for long-term storage: in addition to the well-known jams, candied fruits, dried fruits and marmalade - the Pastegh is another recipe, traditionally made from plums, grapes, cherries, Cornelian cherries, berries, pears, apples, apricots and peaches.

Made by sun-drying pureed fruit, the Armenian Ttu Lavash lacks the additives found in many processed fruit snacks. The Pastegh has one peculiarity though: it should not contain sugar and starch. Only boiled pulp of fruits and berries, a little water and a lot of sun!

This fruit leather can be eaten plain or wrapped around nuts for a heartier snack. Strips of Ttu Lavash are also mixed with fried onions to make a traditional Armenian soup called Tghit, which is served with Lavash bread.

As it is the best way to feel the taste of sunny Armenian fruits in any season, the Pastegh should be rolled up in a roll, placed in a plastic bag and stored in a cupboard for a maximum of 1 year.

The farmers market Gumi Shuka, or GUM Market, is a large popular indoor market in Yerevan, Armenia, that tourists can visit any day and buy the best quality Pastegh. The market is within an easy 15 minutes walk from the Republic Square just past the Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Illuminator.

The market is a very colorful, fragrant and busy place, packed with hundreds of stalls of farmers. Every merchant will grab you and make you taste these specialties. The prices are reasonable and people are very friendly.

Visiting the Gumi Shuka Market is on the itinerary of our many tours. Otherwise, get in touch with us, and we will gladly assist you for your shopping trip to Gumi Shuka. For more information, please visit our TOURS page or contact us at info@phoenixtour.am