Yumilgwa

Yumilgwa is a traditional Korean confectionery that is deep-fried and made from wheat flour, honey, and sesame oil. It is often served during traditional Korean festivals and celebrations such as Seollal (Korean New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival).

History

The history of Yumilgwa dates back to the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC – 668 AD). It was originally used as a ceremonial food offering to the gods and ancestors during traditional Korean rituals known as Jesa. Over time, it has become a popular snack enjoyed by Koreans of all ages.

Preparation

The preparation of Yumilgwa involves several steps. First, wheat flour is mixed with sesame oil to create a dough. The dough is then shaped into various forms, the most common of which are "Ggul Tteok" (honey rice cake) and "Yakgwa" (medicinal confectionery). The shaped dough is then deep-fried until golden brown. After frying, the confections are soaked in a sweet syrup made from honey and sugar.

Varieties

There are several varieties of Yumilgwa, each with its own unique shape and flavor. These include:

• Yakgwa: This is the most common type of Yumilgwa. It is a flower-shaped pastry that is deep-fried and then soaked in honey syrup.

• Ggul Tteok: This is a type of Yumilgwa that is shaped like a rice cake and filled with honey.

• Maejakgwa: This is a type of Yumilgwa that is shaped like a twisted rope. It is deep-fried and then soaked in ginger syrup.

Health Effects

While Yumilgwa is a delicious treat, it is high in sugar and fat due to its preparation method. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation.

See Also

• Korean cuisine
• List of Korean desserts
• Hangwa

External Links

• Recipe for Yumilgwa