Kafbikh (Persian: کفبیخ) is a traditional Iranian sweet made in Khorasan, specially in the cities of Gonabad and Birjand. It is made for Yalda, the Iranian celebration of winter solstice.
Kaf is based on the root of Acanthophyllum squarrosum. The root is cleaned and boiled a minimum of three times, with the water discarded after each boil, until the water has a good smell and taste.[1] During this ceremony, the root of the plant Chubak, or Bikh which is known as Acanthophyllum, is soaked in water and after several boils, are shed in a large pot called Tegar. Families and men, with a handful of thin pods of pomegranate trees, called the "batches", shake the liquid, for hours, until it becomes rigid. This should be done in a cool environment so that the liquid foams and hardens and dries. Like Isfahan Gaz, the prepared Kaf should be sweetened by mixing juice or sugar or honey, and then decorated. The walnut and pistachio are given to guests. Before sweetening the kaf, youths are allowed to throw it to each other and rubbing the kaf to face of each other, enjoyed by the guests.[2] Another custom performed in certain parts of Iran and khorasan on the night of yalda (Chelleh) involves young engaged couples. The men send an edible arrangement combining seven kinds of fruits and a variety of gifts to their fiancees. In some areas, the girl and her family return the favor by sending gifts back for the young man.[3] [4]