It is used in small quantities to enhance the sweet flavor of traditional sweets. For centuries, it has been widely used in the cuisine of Middle Eastern countries, with the largest cultivations found in Syria and Iran.

In Greek cuisine, it is mainly used in:

• tsoureki
• vasilopita
• koulourakia

Mahlab contains coumarin, which has soothing, calming, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilating properties.