Marula Juice (Marula Juice)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Ripe marula fruit, washed — 1 kg (2.2 lb)
- Water, or to taste — 480 ml (16 fl oz)
- Sugar, to taste (optional)
Method
- Peel the marula fruit and remove the flesh from around the pit, placing the flesh in a large bowl.
- Mash the flesh well by hand or with a spoon to release the juice and pulp.
- Add the water and mix thoroughly.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cloth into a jug, pressing to extract as much juice as possible; discard the fibrous solids.
- Sweeten with sugar to taste if desired.
- Chill well before serving.
Introduction: A naturally tart, fragrant juice pressed from ripe marula fruit, a seasonal treat celebrated across Namibia's marula-growing regions.
Cultural Background: The marula tree holds deep cultural significance across Namibia, its abundant fruit harvested each year for fresh juice, traditional beer and the well-known Amarula liqueur, with harvest season marking an important community occasion.
Tips: Choose fully ripe, fragrant marula fruit for the best juice yield and flavour. Adjust the water and sugar to taste, as marula's natural tartness can vary.
Variations: Blend with a little orange juice for a milder, sweeter drink. Allow to ferment briefly for a traditional, mildly alcoholic marula beer.
Storage: Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, as fresh marula juice ferments quickly.
Reheating: This drink is served cold and is not reheated.
FAQs:
Q: When is marula season?
A: Typically in the late summer months, when the fruit ripens and falls from the tree, marking an important seasonal harvest.
Q: Is marula juice the same as Amarula liqueur?
A: No, Amarula is a commercially produced cream liqueur made from marula fruit, while this juice is a simple fresh, non-alcoholic drink.
- Ripe marula fruit, washed — 1 kg (2.2 lb)
- Water, or to taste — 480 ml (16 fl oz)
- Sugar, to taste (optional)
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