In Song of Songs, the Jewish people are compared to: apples, pomegranates, figs, dates, walnuts and almonds. While over the centuries many recipes have developed in Jewish communities (see below), these are the main ingredients to be used for Charoset. (Talmud - Pesachim 116a, with Tosfot)

The Talmud also says that the Charoset should be tangy by using apples - commemorating the apple trees under which the Jewish women secretly gave birth in Egypt. (based on Song of Songs 8:5)

Finally, the Talmud says to make the Charoset thick by adding spices, like ginger and cinnamon. This represents the straw and clay which the Jewish slaves used to construct buildings.

How is the Charoset used at the Seder? Before eating the Marror (bitter herbs), we dip it into Charoset, whose wine neutralizes the sting of the Marror.