Sesame seed candy

Sesame Seed Candy is a type of confectionery made from sesame seeds and a sweetener such as honey or sugar. It is popular in many cultures around the world and is known by various names such as pasteli in Greece, tilgul in India, and gangjeong in Korea.

History

The origins of Sesame Seed Candy are believed to date back to ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians are known to have made a similar sweet treat using honey and sesame seeds. In the Middle East, sesame seed candy is mentioned in ancient texts, indicating its long-standing popularity in the region.

Preparation

The preparation of Sesame Seed Candy involves roasting sesame seeds until they are golden brown. The sweetener, usually honey or sugar, is heated until it reaches a syrupy consistency. The roasted sesame seeds are then mixed into the sweet syrup until they are fully coated. The mixture is then spread out and allowed to cool and harden into a candy. The candy can be cut into squares or rectangles, or shaped into balls.

Variations

There are many variations of Sesame Seed Candy around the world. In Greece, pasteli is made with honey and sesame seeds and often includes additional ingredients such as nuts or dried fruit. In India, tilgul is a sesame seed candy made for the festival of Makar Sankranti, and is usually shaped into small balls. In Korea, gangjeong is a type of sesame seed candy that is often made with puffed rice and coated in syrup.

Nutritional Value

Sesame Seed Candy is high in protein, calcium, and healthy fats due to the sesame seeds. However, it is also high in sugar, making it a high-energy food that should be consumed in moderation.

See Also

• List of sesame seed dishes
• List of candies