Charoset

Overview

Charoset (also spelled Haroset, Charoses, or Haroses) is a sweet, dark-colored paste made of fruits and nuts eaten at the Passover Seder. Its color and texture are meant to recall mortar (or mud used to make adobe bricks) which the Israelites used when they were enslaved in Ancient Egypt as mentioned in Tractate Pesahim (page 116a) of the Talmud.

Origin and Etymology

The word "charoset" comes from the Hebrew word cheres (חרס), which means "clay." Charoset is one of the symbolic foods on the Passover Seder Plate. It is traditionally eaten in the form of a sandwich (Korech), together with maror (bitter herbs) on matzah.

Ingredients and Preparation

Charoset is typically made from crushed fruits – including apples, pears, figs, or dates – and chopped nuts. The exact recipe can vary widely depending on regional tradition. It is sweetened with honey and spiced with cinnamon and sometimes ginger. Some recipes also call for the addition of sweet red wine. The ingredients are ground together to form a thick paste.

A bowl of dark, chunky paste made from crushed fruits and chopped nuts, sweetened with honey and spiced with cinnamon.

Variations

There are many variations of charoset. Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews each have distinct recipes that reflect their unique histories and migrations.

Ashkenazi Charoset

Ashkenazi charoset is typically made with apples, walnuts, sweet red wine, cinnamon, and honey. The apples and walnuts are chopped and mixed together, then the wine, cinnamon, and honey are added. The mixture is then ground to a paste.

Sephardi Charoset

Sephardi charoset is often made with dates, figs, or raisins, and a variety of nuts including almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts. It is spiced with cinnamon and sometimes cardamom, and sweetened with honey. The fruit and nuts are chopped and mixed together, then the spices and honey are added. The mixture is then ground to a paste.

Mizrahi Charoset

Mizrahi Jews, or Jews from the Middle East and North Africa, have a variety of charoset recipes. Some use dates, figs, or apricots, and a variety of nuts. Spices can include cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg. Some Mizrahi recipes also include vinegar or lemon juice for a tart flavor.

Symbolism

The charoset is a symbolic food that is part of the Passover Seder. It represents the mortar that the Israelites used to build the storehouses of Egypt when they were enslaved there. The sweetness of the charoset also symbolizes the hope for freedom and the sweetness of redemption.