Tonight is Tu B’Shevat, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. This day is commonly referred to as the birthday of the trees. Really, we are celebrating the start of the growing season in Israel, when the trees wake from their winter hibernation and begin to grow again. It is customary to eat some special fruits that grow in Israel, although you can eat whichever fruits you want. Here are the customary fruits we eat and a few recipe ideas, in case you want to incorporate them into your meals this Tu B’Shevat:
Grapes: You can serve these exactly as they come. What could be more refreshing? You can also incorporate grapes into fruit salads, or use their dried version, grapes, in other recipes. Try my Rice with Beets, Raisins, and Almonds on page 262 of my cookbook, for a delicious side dish.
Figs: One of my favorites. Fresh or dried, figs are so delicious! It may be hard to find fresh figs in the middle of the winter, but dried figs are a perfect replacement. My Fig and Jerky Salad (page 104 in my cookbook) really showcases dried figs and brings out their flavor. Definitely try this salad.
Pomegranates: With its 613 arils (seeds), pomegranates are a very symbolic fruit. You can buy these whole, as arils in a cup, or juiced. Add the arils to your salad, eat them straight from the fruit, or use the juice in my Pomegranate Lemonade Granita (page 326 in my cookbook).
Olives: There are so many different varieties of olives to choose from. Whether you choose to eat the green ones, black ones, or a fancy Kalamata or two, olives are salty and delicious. Need a recipe with olives in it? Try my Moroccan-Spiced Roast Chicken with Olives and Raisins, posted here on my blog. You won’t regret it!
Dates: I am going to be honest. I don’t really put dates in many recipes. Get ahold of a soft medjool date and it doesn’t need anything else. It is perfect on its own. But if you want, split the date open and spread a little bit of peanut butter or almond butter inside. Yum. Better yet, freeze them before eating them and they taste like candy.
So, grab some fruits tonight and tomorrow and celebrate the awakening of the fruit trees and the approaching growing season!
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