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What is Charoset?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Charoset is an important part of the meal served at the Passover Seder in Jewish tradition. It can also be served at times other than Passover, and it has been adopted by people in other nations as well. Many people compare charoset to a chutney or fruit compote, since it contains an assortment of fruits and nuts which are intended to be spooned onto other foods. The sweet, flavorful food is a popular part of the Seder meal.

Like all the foods on the Passover plate, charoset has an important symbolic meaning. It is meant to remind the consumer of mortar, used by Israelite slaves in Egypt. The individual ingredients are also references to names for the Jewish people included in the Song of Songs. Traditionally, the maror or bitter herbs are symbolically dipped into the charoset before they are consumed. The maror are supposed to evoke sorrow and contemplative thought, while the ingredients in the charoset collectively remind consumers of the Jewish people and their struggles. The name for the dish is derived from cheres, “clay” in Hebrew.

Almonds, which are sometimes included in charoset.
Almonds, which are sometimes included in charoset.

There are two different kinds of charoset. One is eaten in in Eastern Europe primarily, and it tends to be raw with ingredients like walnuts, apples, cinnamon, sweet wine, and honey or sugar as a sweetener. This type of charoset is more thick and lumpy, and does indeed look rather like mortar. The other type of charoset is cooked with an assortment of ingredients which are more Middle Eastern, including dates, figs, pomegranates, almonds, and raisins.

Some versions of charoset include walnuts.
Some versions of charoset include walnuts.

Each family has their own unique recipe for charoset, sometimes including highly unusual or special ingredients. Children often enjoy making the charoset, as well as eating it, since it is fun to assemble all of the ingredients. Making the dish also encourages children to connect with their culture, and it can be used to strengthen ties between generations of families as grandmothers and grandfathers teach their descendants how to make charoset, while discussing the symbolic meaning of the dish.

Charoset often includes raisins.
Charoset often includes raisins.

This dish is only one of many in the rich Jewish culinary tradition, although it is well liked by people of many religions and ethnic backgrounds. It makes a very refreshing summer food, and can be served on sweet breads, crackers, or as a side salad. To make charoset, try experimenting with different amounts of the ingredients above, chopping to a desired texture and tossing thoroughly before serving with a garnish of mint or a bitter herb like parsley as a nod to the the Jewish heritage of the dish.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Almonds, which are sometimes included in charoset.
      By: Dmitry Rukhlenko
      Almonds, which are sometimes included in charoset.
    • Some versions of charoset include walnuts.
      By: dinostock
      Some versions of charoset include walnuts.
    • Charoset often includes raisins.
      By: Dionisvera
      Charoset often includes raisins.
    • Apples are used in some types of charoset.
      By: volff
      Apples are used in some types of charoset.
    • Parsley can be used as a garnish for charoset.
      By: Barbara Pheby
      Parsley can be used as a garnish for charoset.
    • Honey is sometimes used in the charoset on a Passover plate.
      By: Sergii Moscaliuk
      Honey is sometimes used in the charoset on a Passover plate.
    • Mint can be used as a garnish for charoset.
      By: margo555
      Mint can be used as a garnish for charoset.