Apple and pear sherbet

Ancient Persia was a huge empire which began in what is now modern Iran - at its height, the empire spread over three million square miles!

The ancient Persians ate a variety of food gathered from this vast area, including rice, slow-cooked meat and fish, and plenty of delicious ripe fruit.

Huge banquets would often be held by the Persian king. They would feature many hot dishes, but also what Herotodus (an ancient Greek historian) called 'an abundance of dessert'!

Apple and pear sherbet might have been one of these desserts - it was perfect for cooling down in the steamy heat of a Persian summer.

Try it for yourself - here's how to make apple and pear sherbet.

How to make

1. Lightly grate the zest (the yellow outer skin) from a lemon. Squeeze the juice from the lemon.

2. Peel and grate the apples and pears and put them in a bowl. Sprinkle on the lemon juice to stop them going brown, then stir in the sugar and rose water.

3. Cover the bowl and chill the mixture for several hours.

4. About half an hour before you want to serve the sherbet, briefly blend the fruit mixture and the ice cubes or crushed ice together with a blender or food processor.

5. Pour it into six glasses or a glass bowl and put it in the freezer for 15-30 minutes - the mixture should be almost frozen but not quite.

Serve sprinkled with the lemon zest.

 Made your own apple and pear sherbet?
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