on tu b’shvat, you’ll often see menus that incorporate the “seven species” (wheat, figs, barley, dates, pomegranates, olives, grapes)—aka the classic fruits of israel. the holiday is sort of like a jewish arbor day or earth day, so eating these agricultural staples is a nice way to honor the land of Israel and…the land, period. (if you’re curious, the idea of those seven species likely won creedence thanks to deuteronomy 8:8, in which israel is dubbed “a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey.“)
but ACTUALLY.
in the full tu bshvat seder, you’re encouraged to partake of way more than just seven things. at least 15 different fruits and vegetables are included.
who knew?!
to me, this felt like an invitation to branch out a little.
(pun intended.)
this is probably why, in my own tu b’shvat preparations, i’ve found myself far more drawn to the general idea of “serving and enjoying fruit in general” than i am with any particular seven or fifteen or eighteen particular fruits.
hence, this very delicious, very colorful, sort of out-of-nowhere rainbow fruit platter!
…for which there is no recipe—just photos for you to mimic if you so choose. have fun with it and make it your own, using fruits that you and your kids love or things you already have in your house!
i’m working up a larger explainer of this holiday since I think it’s such a fun one (particularly in terms of getting creative / planning parties), but in the meantime, i hope you guys enjoy this idea and have fun putting it together at home.
