Yakgwa

Yakgwa

Yakgwa is a traditional Korean dessert made from wheat flour, honey, and sesame oil. It is a type of hangwa, which is a general term for traditional Korean confections. Yakgwa is often served during traditional Korean festivals and celebrations such as Chuseok and Seollal.

History

The exact origin of yakgwa is unknown, but it is believed to have been introduced to Korea during the Goryeo Dynasty. The name "yakgwa" means "medicinal confection" in Korean, as it was originally considered a type of medicine due to its high honey content.

Preparation

Yakgwa is made by kneading wheat flour, honey, and sesame oil into a dough. The dough is then shaped into small, round pieces and deep-fried. After frying, the yakgwa are soaked in a syrup made from honey and ginger, which gives them their characteristic sweet and slightly spicy flavor.

Cultural Significance

Yakgwa is often used in jesa, a traditional Korean ceremony performed to honor ancestors. It is also a popular gift during the holiday seasons, especially during Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival, and Seollal, the Korean lunar new year.

Variations

There are several regional variations of yakgwa in Korea. In the Jeolla region, yakgwa is made with chestnut paste and is known as bam-yakgwa. In the Gyeongsang region, yakgwa is made with cinnamon and is known as gyeongdan.

See Also

• Hangwa
• Chuseok
• Seollal
• Goryeo
• Jesa
• Jeolla
• Gyeongsang
• BamYakgwa
• Gyeongdan