With the remains from the vinegar episode, I decided to make an ‘infusion’. This drink is a classic case of using up leftovers and doing something I’ve wanted to do for ages – make a drink of Agbalumo.
The seeds and skin were tossed into pot. I tried to think of what spices would go well with it. Cardamom and vanilla came to mind so that’s’s what I’ve gone with.
While it was brewing, I saw the saffron :). You know what happened. A tiny pinch only.
Sugar, some cups of water later and 15 minutes of cooking time, we were ready.
I let the mixture cool down before decanting, without straining.
The end result is a bright orange drink with a complex flavor. You get the essence of the fruit, but the saffron lends it an edge reminiscent of ‘bitters’ – Angostura, Orijin (a complex Nigerian blend of herbs and spices), etc.
I found it so interesting. On ice, it was awesome. I think it would make an amazing addition to a cocktail or a mixer with orange juice.
My daughters loved it, so much so I had to make another batch. In round two, I held back on adding too much saffron and you know what? It tasted the same, just without the gorgeous orange. Oh well, another one learned and added to the ‘must-stays’. I absolutely love exploring Nigerian fruits and vegetables in season.
- Skin and seeds of 6 Agbalumo
- 1/2 cup of white, granulated sugar (to taste)
- Seeds of 6 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of saffron - 10 to 15 strands
- Combine all ingredients in a pan
- Top with a litre of water
- Bring to the boil and then turn down to simmer for 12 - 15 minutes
- Remove from heat and let cook down
- Decant (straining if you like)
- Serve on ice
- You can include the flesh of the Agbalumo but the resulting drink will be cloudy
- Vary the spices to suit your desires
- Make mocktails and cocktails - I think combinations with orange juice would work really well
Please tell your babies that Ms Cynthia checked out their mom’s blog and she totally loved it! Very awesome and creative!
🙂 Yay Ms Cynthia. I’ll tell them. Thank you
Amazing, what will you think of next. Can’t wait to try it out!
🙂 Thanks dear. Let me know how it goes
Funny enough, two nights ago I blended bananas and pineapple, added agbalumos and everyone loved It. My wife kept saying there was something great and different about the taste. It was the agbalumo. This morning I did carrots, bananas and agbalumo again. Awesome.
Awesome…will try those combos 🙂
This is creative. Welldone!
Thank you dear
This looks good. Imagine producing, bottling and selling this.
The thing though, is, will it keep without refrigeration? And for how long?
Thank you. It would keep…, it just might ferment and take on new character :).
Someday, it’ll be ready for sale, I hope.