Thursday, June 14, 2012

Georgia: First Fruits - Alucha

Rustavi, Georgia. Alucha


In the spring, even before the tuta comes the alucha, a green "almost-plum" that is an unripened but edible fruit.

Georgians dip it into salt and eat it.


Rustavi, Georgia. Alucha


It's rather tart, with a hint of celery. As the season progresses, but while it's still green and unripe, a suggestion of plumness emerges.

Rustavi, Georgia. Alucha


Georgians make an almost-tkemali sauce with it, but it won't keep through a winter like the true tkemali sauce does.

Rustavi, Georgia. Alucha