What Fruits Do You Put on a Charcuterie Board?

Charcuterie boards are a popular way to entertain guests, whether it be for a formal occasion or a casual gathering. The key to a great charcuterie board is having a variety of complementary foods that will tantalize the taste buds of your guests. One of the most important elements of a charcuterie board is the fruit selection. In this article, we will explore what fruits you should put on a charcuterie board to impress your guests.

What is a Charcuterie Board?

A charcuterie board is a display of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and other small bites arranged on a platter or board. The word "charcuterie" comes from the French word for pork butcher, but today's charcuterie boards feature a variety of meats, including prosciutto, salami, and ham. In addition to meats, a charcuterie board typically includes a variety of cheeses, crackers, bread, nuts, and fruits.

Importance of Fruits on a Charcuterie Board

Fruits are an important element of a charcuterie board for several reasons. Firstly, they add a pop of color to the board, making it more visually appealing. Secondly, fruits offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meats and cheeses, creating a more balanced flavor profile. Finally, fruits add a touch of sweetness to the board, which helps to cut through the saltiness of the meats and cheeses.

Seasonal Fruits to Include on a Charcuterie Board

One of the best ways to choose fruits for your charcuterie board is to select seasonal fruits. Seasonal fruits are at the peak of their freshness and flavor, making them the perfect addition to your board. Some seasonal fruits to consider for your charcuterie board include:

• Summer: watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, nectarines, cherries, grapes, and figs.
• Fall: apples, pears, persimmons, grapes, figs, pomegranates, and cranberries.
• Winter: clementines, mandarins, oranges, pears, kiwis, and pomegranates.
• Spring: strawberries, kiwis, apricots, pineapples, mangoes, and grapes.

Non-Seasonal Fruits to Include on a Charcuterie Board

If you cannot find seasonal fruits or you want to add some variety to your charcuterie board, you can also include non-seasonal fruits. Some non-seasonal fruits to consider include:

• Bananas: sliced bananas add a touch of sweetness to the board and pair well with chocolate and nuts.
• Grapes: grapes are a classic fruit for a charcuterie board and pair well with most cheeses and meats.
• Pineapple: fresh pineapple adds a tropical twist to the board and pairs well with ham and spicy meats.
• Mangoes: sliced mangoes add a pop of color and sweetness to the board and pair well with spicy meats and cheese.

And now that you know, we want to see your Charcuterie Board! Post it on social media and share it with us @3pigspate !

-Enjoy!