Equipment
Ingredients
Chia-Ginger Marinade
- 45 ml lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 g lime zest, finely grated
- 60 g honey
- 10 g fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 15 g chia seeds, whole
Winter Fruit Base
- fuyu persimmon, diced into 1.5 centimeter cubes
- asian pear, cored and diced into 1.5 centimeter cubes
- 2 kiwi, peeled and diced
- 2 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
- 100 g pomegranate arils, fresh
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
In a small mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, honey, grated fresh ginger, and chia seeds until the honey is fully dissolved.
Allow the dressing mixture to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. This gives the chia seeds time to hydrate and release their natural mucilage, which thickens the liquid into a light gel.
While the dressing rests, use a chef's knife and cutting board to prepare the fruit. Dice the fuyu persimmon, asian pear, and peeled kiwi into uniform 1.5 centimeter cubes. Peel and separate the segments of the mandarin oranges.
Transfer all the diced fruit, mandarin segments, and pomegranate arils into a large mixing bowl.
Pour the thickened chia and ginger marinade over the mixed fruit. Toss gently using a large spoon or spatula to ensure every piece is evenly coated without crushing the more delicate kiwi or mandarin pieces.
Place the salad in the refrigerator to chill at 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This brief chilling period allows the flavors to meld and the fruit to release a small amount of juice into the dressing.
Chef's Notes
- Always use Fuyu persimmons for salads as they remain crisp and sweet when firm. Hachiya persimmons are extremely astringent until they are practically bursting and jelly-like, making them unsuitable for dicing.
- The chia seeds serve a dual purpose here: they add dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, but more importantly, they act as a natural hydrocolloid. They bind the fruit juices with the lime and honey, creating a cohesive dressing that clings to the fruit rather than pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
- If using particularly sweet late-season pears or mandarins, consider reducing the honey by 15 grams to maintain a bright, palate-cleansing acidity.
- To prevent the Asian pear from oxidizing and turning brown, you can toss the diced pear in a few drops of the lime juice before adding it to the rest of the mix.
Storage
Refrigerator: 2 days — Store in an airtight container. Fruit will begin to soften and release juices after the first day.
