Combining the sweetness of fresh fruits with the savory elements of spices, herbs, and sometimes even vegetables, fruit soup is a delightful concoction that tantalizes the taste buds and offers a burst of flavors. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the origins, varieties, and the appeal of fruit soup as a versatile and healthy addition to your culinary repertoire.

A Historical Journey: The concept of fruit soups can be traced back to ancient times, with variations found in different cultures around the world.

In Scandinavian countries, fruit soups have been a traditional part of the summer menu, often made with berries like lingonberries or cloudberries.

In Eastern Europe, particularly in Hungary and Poland, cold fruit soups featuring cherries or plums have been enjoyed for centuries.

Meanwhile, in Asia, tropical fruits like mango and lychee are used to create refreshing soups, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.

Varieties of Fruit Soups:

The beauty of fruit soup lies in its versatility. From chilled summer soups to warm and comforting winter varieties, there's a fruit soup for every season and occasion.

Here are some popular types of fruit soups:

Cold Berry Soup: Made with a mix of berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, cold berry soup is a perfect summer treat. It's often sweetened with honey or a touch of sugar and can be garnished with mint leaves for added freshness.

Hungarian Cherry Soup - recipe below -  A classic in Hungarian cuisine, cherry soup is a cold, refreshing dish that combines ripe cherries with a hint of cinnamon and cloves. Sour cream or yogurt is sometimes added to enhance the creaminess.

Tropical Fruit Gazpacho: Inspired by the Spanish gazpacho, tropical fruit gazpacho features a blend of exotic fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi. Lime juice and a touch of chili can be added for a zesty kick.

Spiced Apple Soup: Ideal for the fall season, spiced apple soup combines the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the sweetness of apples. This comforting soup can be served warm and is often enjoyed as a dessert alternative.

Melon and Mint Soup: A light and refreshing option, melon and mint soup is perfect for hot summer days. The natural sweetness of melons is complemented by the aromatic freshness of mint, creating a cooling sensation.

Health Benefits:

Fruit soups are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, they offer a healthy alternative to traditional soups. The inclusion of a variety of fruits ensures a diverse range of nutrients, contributing to overall well-being.

Conclusion:

Fruit soup is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and a refreshing twist on traditional soup recipes. Whether you're looking for a light and healthy summer dish or a comforting winter warmer, the world of fruit soups invites you to get creative in the kitchen and savor the goodness of nature's bounty in a bowl. So, why not embark on this culinary journey and discover the joy of fruit soup for yourself?

Cold sour cherry soup recipe: 

Ingredients:
1 lb fresh or frozen pitted sour cherries
1 1/2 quarts water
1 cup sour cream
2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Decoration: whip cream, fresh cherries, slice of lemon, or peppermint leaves.

Preparation:

We’ll give you the basics, and you can take it from there, according to your own palate.

Bring 1 1/2 quarts of water to boil, and add sour cherries and granulated sugar. Stir and cook. In a separate bowl mix flour and sour cream; stir until smooth. Add cold water to make it runny enough to pour into boiling hot soup. Stir well and simmer for 5 or 6 minutes, until it thickens. Cover the soup and let cool.

Serve cold.

Variations:

Cook a 1-inch stick of cinnamon with the cherries.
Stir in 1 package of vanilla or fruit pudding powder.
Substitute sweet cream for the sour cream.
Add a little sherry or red wine.
Add 1/4 teaspoon imitation rum extract.
Add 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Add a few cloves.
Grate some lemon peel into the soup.
Replace cherries with, or add apples, raspberries, blackcurrants, rhubarb, or gooseberries.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/6AK61D7vXVM

You can add an extra tablespoon of flour to thicken more, and serve it as a main course, with deep fried or grilled lean meat on the side. Maybe even some mashed potatoes."

Source of recipe: Puszta.com