mahleb or mahalepi is an aromatic spice made from the seeds of a species of cherry, "prunus mahaleb" (the mahaleb or st lucie cherry). the cherry stones are cracked to extract the seed kernel, which is about 5 mm diameter, soft and chewy on extraction. the seed kernel is ground to a powder before use. its flavour is similar to a combination of bitter almond and cherry, and similar also to marzipan.