- Ratafia
Ratafia is a
liqueur or cordial flavoured withpeach orcherry kernels, bitteralmond s, or other fruits; many different varieties are made. The same name is given to a flavouring essence resembling bitter almonds, and also to a lightbiscuit . It is also a cordial made from a mix of marc brandy and the unfermented juice of the grape.The flavorings can potentially make this liqueur toxic, as peach and cherry kernels contain high levels of
hydrogen cyanide (about 1.7 mg per gram of kernel), as do bitter almonds (2.5 mg/g). [ FAO Meeting Report No. PL/1965/10/2 WHO/Food Add/28.65, http://www.inchem.org/documents/jmpr/jmpmono/v65apr09.htm ] .Other less toxic flavorings can also be used, such as in-season fruit, vegetables, and fresh herbs. A basic recipe includes a bottle of red or white wine, 1/4 cup vodka (to prevent fermentation), 1 cup cut-up fruits, vegetables, or herbs, 1/4 cup sugar. Combine all ingredients in a large jar and refrigerate 3 to 4 weeks; strain into a clean wine bottle and cork or cap tightly. Keep refrigerated. [ New York Times, Dining Out p. F7, by Pete Wells from Monica Pope recipe, Aug 29, 2007 http://www.newyorktimes.com/] The name 'ratafia' might be adapted from the French of the 17th century.
Walter William Skeat (Etym. Dict., 1910) quotes as a possible origin a combination of Malay "araq", and "tafia" (rum ).References
*1911
* [http://www.inchem.org/documents/jmpr/jmpmono/v65apr09.htm | FAO report on agricultural products containing cyanide]
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