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Delish October 2008
Delish October 2008
Sometimes I think I should pick up and move the Mediterranean. This idea of whimsy is largely inspired by the broad appeal of the Mediterranean lifestyle and dictated by my sense of taste. I live for olive oil, flatbread, goat and sheep cheese, and fresh figs. However, getting a hold of a truly fresh fig in New York is about as difficult, I would imagine, as it is to get a Magnolia Cupcake in Damascus. That said, I routinely cut my losses by remaining in New York and searching out products, or reasonable facsimiles, that fill the void and offer that singular fig essence.
Harvest Song Golden Fig Preserves originate from the Mount Ararat region of Armenia (not directly on the Mediterranean Sea, but close enough) and immediately lay on that old world romance and charm at first glance, with a rotund glass jar capped by a crown of parchment and twine. These are preserves, not to be confused with jams or jellies, so they do triple duty as an accompaniment to breads and crackers, as a dulcet pairing with a tangy cheese, or even as the base for a sauce, if you are feeling creative.
The flavor was much better than I would have anticipated from a jarred preserve, and made it about as close to fresh figs as I had tasted. The color was a deep bronze and the texture was smooth, with a few minute seeds within, and there were distinct caramel and citrus undertones. The overall sweetness of the preserve was maybe a bit more syrupy than I had desired, but when eaten along a hard goat cheese, it worked amazingly well.
Harvest Song Preserves are also available in other flavors, including Apricot & White Cherry, Plum, and Tea Rose for $7 per 10 oz jar. They are sold at Zabar's, Whole Foods Market, Sur La Table, and online.
Eric Steinman on Delish
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