Kenep Trempe: A Seasonal Haitian Delight
Excitement fills me as I finally get to share a recipe for Kenep Trempe, a beloved Haitian treat! This year, unlike last, I was fortunate enough to find the elusive kenep fruit, allowing me to indulge in this seasonal gem.
Kenep Trempe, also known as Rum Soaked Kenep, is a quintessential summer dessert in Haiti. Featuring the unique flavor of kenep, a small, sweet-tart fruit also known as the Haitian Star Apple or Spanish Lime, it’s soaked in rum and infused with spices for a truly special experience.
Prepare to embark on a delicious journey with this authentic Haitian treat!
Kenep: A Fruit to Savor
Kenep is a tropical gem boasting a unique flavor profile that combines sweet and tart notes. This refreshing fruit is a summertime delight, perfect for savoring on its own or incorporating into delectable dishes and drinks. Kenep’s versatility shines in its ability to elevate both sweet and savory creations, making it a true culinary treasure.
Kenep: A Tropical Treat
Kenep is a delicious tropical fruit that grows in clusters on tall trees. It ripens during the summer months, offering a refreshing burst of flavor in hot weather. Related to the lychee, kenep has a thin, tough skin that encases a sweet, tangy, or tart pulp. This pulp, usually cream or orange in color, surrounds a large seed.
While kenep is known as “kenep” in some regions, it has many other names around the world, including Spanish lime, genip, guinep, and mamoncillo.
Found primarily in South and Central America, the Caribbean, and the Dominican Republic, kenep is easy to enjoy. Simply wash the fruit, break open the thin skin with your teeth or a knife, and savor the juicy flesh. Be careful, though, as the pulp can stain your clothes! Once you’ve enjoyed the flesh, discard the seed.
Kenep Trempe: A Taste of the Caribbean
Kenep Trempe is a delightful Haitian treat that captures the essence of both snack and sweet treats. It’s not a traditional cocktail but shares some characteristics with rum-infused liqueurs.
Made by soaking kenep fruit in white rum with sugar, cinnamon, and aromatics like star anise, Kenep Trempe offers a burst of sweet and tangy fruit flavors alongside the warmth of rum and the subtle notes of spices. This recipe adds a twist by using vanilla bean instead of lemon rind, creating a unique and evocative taste.
Enjoying Kenep Trempe is simple. Just ensure the container you use (mason jar or wide-mouthed bottle) allows the fruit to fit comfortably. After soaking for 2-3 days, the kenep absorbs the rum and spices, resulting in a delightful infused treat reminiscent of the Caribbean.
Kenep Trempe: Tips & Tastes
Tailoring the Treat:
- Ripe for the Picking: If your kenep isn’t fully ripe, a touch more sugar can balance the tartness.
- Spice Up Your Life: Craving bolder flavors? Experiment with additional spices like cloves, ginger, or allspice.
- Fruity Fusion: Feeling adventurous? Add other fruits like mangoes, pineapples, or bananas for a tropical twist.
Beyond the Basics:
Kenep Trempe isn’t just delicious, it’s packed with vitamins A and C! So, savor the summer sun and indulge in this refreshing, healthy treat. Remember, the season is fleeting, so cherish this time and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Kenep Trempe!
Kenep Trempe or Rum Soaked Kenep, a delicious Caribbean Treat
Equipment
Ingredients
- Mason Jar or Bottle
- Kenep
- White Rum – about 1 cup or more
- Sugar to taste
- 1 – 2 cinnamon stick
- 2 – 3 star Anise
- Lemon rind – optional
- 1 – 2 vanilla bean
Instructions
- Wash all keneps, remove skin and place seeds in jar or bottle along with cinnamon stick(s), star anise, vanilla bean(s) and lemon rind if using. Add white rum – enough to cover all keneps. Add enough sugar to taste. Shake bottle or jar to mix. Let keneps soak in rum for about 2 to 3 days before enjoying Kenep Trempe.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
