Carrot Wine

Carrot Wine Recipe from Maldives - Ingredients and Instructions

Region / culture: Maldives | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Carrot wine is a unique and flavorful beverage that is surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the tangy acidity of white grape concentrate to create a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Carrot wine has been enjoyed for centuries, with records of its production dating back to ancient times. In many cultures, carrots were used to make wine as a way to preserve the vegetable's harvest and create a tasty beverage that could be enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients

1.8 kg of carrots
500 ml of white grape concentrate
900 g of granulated white sugar
1 tsp of citric acid
1 tsp of yeast nutrient
1 tsp of pectic enzyme
0.5 tsp of grape tannin
13 mg of vitamin B tablet
1 sachet of white wine yeast

How to prepare

Activate the yeast by placing it in a starter bottle.
Wash, scrub, and slice the carrots. Bring them to a boil in enough water to completely cover them. Let them simmer for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
Strain the liquid into a fermenting bucket, discarding the carrot pulp. Add the sugar to the hot liquid in the bucket and stir well until it dissolves.
Allow the liquid to cool to approximately 20°C. Then, stir in the grape concentrate and the remaining ingredients (except for the yeast). Cover the bucket and keep it warm for 24 hours.
Add the activated yeast and let the mixture ferment for 2 days. Then, transfer it to a demijohn. Fill the demijohn up to the shoulder with cooled, boiled water. Fit a bung and airlock, and allow it to ferment until it becomes dry.
Move the demijohn to a cooler location and let it settle and clear. As soon as sediment appears, rack the wine. Repeat this process as needed, topping up with apple juice.
This wine should be ready to drink in approximately six to nine months.

Variations

For a sweeter wine, you can increase the amount of sugar used in the recipe. You can also experiment with different types of fruit concentrates to create unique flavor combinations.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making carrot wine, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. It's important to sterilize all equipment before starting the fermentation process to prevent any unwanted bacteria from contaminating the wine. Additionally, be patient and allow the wine to ferment and age properly to develop its full flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Carrot wine can be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing drink, or paired with a variety of dishes. It pairs well with light salads, seafood, and poultry dishes. Serve chilled for the best flavor experience.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful batch of carrot wine is to follow the fermentation process carefully and allow the wine to age properly. Be sure to monitor the temperature and fermentation progress to ensure the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white grape concentrate on hand, you can use other types of fruit concentrates such as apple or pear. You can also experiment with different types of yeast to create unique flavor profiles.

Make Ahead Tips

Carrot wine takes several months to ferment and age properly, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to enjoy it for a special occasion. You can also make a larger batch and store it in a cool, dark place for future enjoyment.

Presentation Ideas

Serve carrot wine in elegant wine glasses or decorative carafes for a sophisticated presentation. You can also garnish each glass with a slice of fresh carrot or a sprig of mint for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Carrot wine pairs well with a variety of dishes, including light salads, seafood, and poultry. It also complements creamy cheeses and fresh fruit platters. Experiment with different pairings to find your favorite combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store carrot wine in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, reseal the bottle tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Carrot wine can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of carrot wine contains approximately 150 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie beverage compared to other types of wine.

Carbohydrates

Carrot wine is a relatively low-carb beverage, with most of the carbohydrates coming from the sugar used in the fermentation process. Each serving of carrot wine contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Carrot wine is a fat-free beverage, making it a light and healthy option for those looking to enjoy a glass of wine without worrying about added fats.

Proteins

Carrot wine does not contain any significant amount of protein, as it is primarily made from carrots, sugar, and grape concentrate.

Vitamins and minerals

Carrot wine is a good source of vitamin A, thanks to the carrots used in the recipe. It also contains small amounts of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Alergens

Carrot wine does not contain any common allergens such as gluten, dairy, or nuts. However, it is important to check the ingredients used in the recipe to ensure that there are no allergens present.

Summary

Overall, carrot wine is a light and refreshing beverage that is relatively low in calories and fat. It is a good source of vitamin A and other essential nutrients, making it a healthy option for those looking to enjoy a glass of wine.

Summary

Carrot wine is a unique and flavorful beverage that is surprisingly easy to make at home. With its light and refreshing taste, it is the perfect drink for any occasion. Enjoy a glass of homemade carrot wine with your favorite dishes and savor the delicious flavors of this ancient beverage.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I stumbled upon the secret to making the most delicious Carrot Wine. It was a warm summer day, and I had been helping my aunt in the garden, picking fresh carrots for dinner. As I was sorting through the carrots, I noticed a piece of paper tucked away in the corner of the garden shed. Curious, I picked it up and unfolded it, revealing a handwritten recipe for Carrot Wine.

Intrigued by the idea of making wine from carrots, I quickly ran back to the house to show my aunt. She looked at the recipe with a twinkle in her eye and told me that it had been passed down through our family for generations. She explained that Carrot Wine was a special treat that we made to celebrate the harvest each year, and that I was lucky to have stumbled upon the recipe.

Eager to try my hand at making Carrot Wine, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. I peeled and chopped the carrots, simmered them in water, and added sugar and yeast to start the fermentation process. Over the next few weeks, I watched as the mixture bubbled and fermented, transforming into a rich, fragrant wine.

When the time came to taste my creation, I poured myself a glass of Carrot Wine and took a sip. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever experienced - a perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness, with a hint of spice. I knew then that I had discovered a true gem of a recipe.

Over the years, I have continued to make Carrot Wine, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of celebrating the harvest with this special drink. It has become a beloved tradition in our family, a reminder of the simple joys of good food and good company.

As I look back on that fateful day in the garden shed, I am grateful for the serendipitous discovery that led me to the recipe for Carrot Wine. It is a reminder of the magic that can be found in everyday moments, and the joy that comes from sharing something special with those we love. And so, each time I raise a glass of Carrot Wine in celebration, I am reminded of the simple pleasures that make life sweet. Cheers to good food, good friends, and the memories we hold dear.