Fruits’ Role Stems From Ancient Times

The following plants are an integral part of many Jewish holiday meals and celebrations. Most are easy to grow and thrive in Orange County.

* Citron (etrog): This is a small evergreen citrus tree with short spines and leathery leaves. The flowers are white inside and purple on the outside. The fruit is oblong, yellow, fragrant and lumpy. The peel is usually candied.

Combined with quince seeds, cloves, lemon and sugar, it makes a good jam.

Citron was known as the “goodly tree” in ancient times. This is one of the four species of trees required during Sukkot.

It is easy to grow from seed. Remove a seed from a fruit, plant and keep moist. In three to four weeks, it should germinate.

* Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera): One of the oldest cultivated trees, dates and palm leaves figure into many Jewish foods and celebrations. They are symbolic of peace and plenty. Jericho was often referred to as the city of palm trees and was well known for its dates. Palms are among the four species of trees required for the Sukkot celebration. Charoset--a mixture of dates, water and pecans or walnuts--is commonly served during Passover.

* Fig (Ficus carica): Figs are said to symbolize peace and prosperity and are mentioned quite often in the Bible. (Adam and Eve used fig leaves to clothe themselves.) Figs are a common backyard fruit here, with young seedlings often sprouting on their own. In ancient times, the tree was considered valuable because its fruit does not ripen all at once. The leaves have also been used to make baskets, dishes and umbrellas.

* Grape: Symbolic of peace and tranquillity, grapes and wine are mentioned throughout the Bible. Grapes were cultivated in lands bordering the Mediterranean. In one biblical passage, Israel is compared to a grapevine.

Making grape juice is easy, says Michael Brown, author of “The Jewish Gardening Cookbook.” He offers these instructions:

Remove the stems from firm, ripe grapes; wash grapes. Put grapes in large bowl and crush into pulp. Strain pulp through cheesecloth for at least six to eight hours. Let juice sit overnight in the refrigerator so that the sediment settles to the bottom. Carefully pour off the clear juice and discard the sediment.

* Olive: This slow-growing tree has been cultivated for more than 6,000 years as a symbol of peace and happiness. Growing olives was so important in biblical times that Moses exempted men who worked with olives from military service. These are hardy trees that make a handsome addition to the garden with silver-green foliage and gnarled trunks.

* Pomegranate: Its beautiful glossy green leaves, orange-red flowers and reddish-orange fruit filled with seeds were held in high regard. The robe of the high priest was decorated with pomegranates, and it was an important theme in the decoration of Solomon’s temple. Pomegranates have even been found on coins dating back thousands of years.