Guide Note

Charoset is an important element of the Jewish Passover Seder, and is traditionally made from a mixture of apples, nuts, cinnamon, wine, and honey.

Fast Facts

1. Word "charoset" comes from Hebrew "cheres," meaning clay
2. Symbolizes the mortar used to build bricks during the Jews' slavery in Egypt
3. Reminds modern-day Jews of the sweetness of their physical freedom
4. AKA: haroset, haroses, charoses, charoseth, haroseth, halegh
5. Favorite of children

Like most Jewish cuisine that has survived the diaspora (the scattering of the population), charoset recipes vary according to region.

• Persia: Jews with roots in modern-day Iran traditionally make charoset with 40 ingredients, signifying the 40 years of wandering depicted in Exodus.

• Greece: Greek Jews may use regional ingredients such as dates and pine nuts.

• Yemen: Yemeni Jews may add almonds, figs and pomegranate, along with spices such as cardamom and black pepper.