Jewish and Israeli Food

Delicious & Creative Seven Species Recipes for Tu BiShvat

Tu BiShvat 2024, honoring nature and the Land of Israel, starts at sundown on Wednesday, January 24.

And we’ve got the most delicious twist on Tu BiShvat traditions with these creative recipes featuring the Seven Species!

The Jewish holiday of Tu BiShvat celebrates the natural bounty of the Land of Israel, and there is a common tradition to eat from the Seven Species which are described in the Hebrew Bible and are indigenous to Israel: wheat, barley, grapes (or wine), figs, pomegranates, olives (or olive oil), and dates (or date honey).

You can read more about Tu BiShvat traditions here and about the meanings of the Seven Species here. And make your Tu BiShvat the best ever with these 7 creative and scrumptious holiday recipes, each featuring one or more of the Seven Species!

1. Festive Challah with Fig Filling

Species: wheat, figs, olives

Challah is a Jewish holiday staple, and this fabulous and unique version is just perfect for Tu BiShvat. In addition to the wheat flour it incorporates olive oil and a delicious fig filling for that Seven Species connection, as well as honey for another nod to the Land of Israel.

Your holiday table will look gorgeous with this challah as its centerpiece, and your whole family is sure to love it!

Click here to get the recipe!

2. Meaty Mushroom Barley Soup

Species: barley

If you’re looking for a rich and hearty winter soup that will also satisfy meat eaters and use one of the most underrated of the Seven Species, look no further than this delicious barley soup! It features meat, veggies, and mushrooms to compliment the Seven Species staple food barley.

A yummy comfort food, this soup is great not just for the holiday but the rest of the winter season as well.

Click here to get the recipe!

3. Goat Cheese, Fig, Silan, and Olive Galette

Species: wheat, figs, dates, olives

For the vegetarian family who prefers to have a dairy meal for Tu BiShvat, or anyone looking for a creative breakfast food, you can’t go wrong with this yummy holiday galette!

The exquisite blend of cheeses and several of the Seven Species will satisfy your family and friends while reminding everyone of the natural bounty of the Land of Israel.

Click here to get the recipe!

4. Tu BiShvat Seven Species Salad

Species: pomegranates, figs, grapes, dates, olives

Here's a salad that packs a punch with fresh versions of several of the Seven Species fruits.

Make sure to use good-quality olive oil for the dressing (such as Israeli olive oil that you can order here), and a good goat cheese or feta to complement the figs, grapes, dates, and pomegranate seeds. Even your kids will love this colorful and tasty way of getting in their fruits and veggies!

Click here to get the recipe!

5. Barley-Pomegranate Salad with Olive Oil Vinaigrette

Species: barley, pomegranates, olives

Whether as a side dish or the main event, everyone at your table will love this Middle Eastern, Tu BiShvat-appropriate barley salad with pomegranate seeds, celery, and herbs.

This recipe comes with a delicious olive oil vinaigrette, which you'll love on the side or mixed in, or as your next go-to salad dressing for other dishes as well.

Click here to get the recipe!

6. Roasted Lamb with Grapes & Raisins

Species: grapes

This traditional Sephardi recipe will make your Tu BiShvat unforgettable, by pairing lamb meat with grapes, raisins, nuts, and rich spices.

Be sure to prep ahead as you'll need several hours of roasting time. Your family or guests will certainly be impressed with this delectable dish!

Click here to get the recipe!

7. Seven Species Babka

Sweet Chocolate Babka Swirl Brioche Dessert Bread Pastry Close-Up

Species: all! - wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, dates

And for the grand finale and the ultimate treat for every Jewish foodie, we have a classic Ashkenazi cake with a yummy Tu BiShvat twist: a babka made with all Seven Species!

Your guests will be talking about this creative dessert for months, and you’ll love both its rich taste and the special connection to the Land of Israel. Serve it with some Israeli tea and top it with silan date honey to make it a truly unforgettable Israel-themed treat.

Click here to get the recipe!

Enjoy, and Happy Tu BiShvat!

Shop our site for all your Tu BiShvat needs and Seven Species gifts - check out our top 15 Tu BiShvat gifts list if you need inspiration.