A significant product of the Ottoman royal food, Turkish delight dates back to the past. It is well-known that the Turkish dessert “abhisa” was consumed frequently by the Sasanians who were in power between 224 and 651 AD. during the Persian Empire. “Abhisa” could be the ancestor of Turkish delight, though this isn’t certain. In the beginning, Turkish delight was called “rahat-ul Hulkum” meaning “throat soother”. It was later renamed “rahat the word “lokum”. It was then changed yet again to “lokum” in contemporary Turkish.
In addition to being popular in Anatolia in until the end of 15th century, it was made well-known in the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century. It was first recognized throughout Europe around the turn of the century thanks to the assistance from an English traveler who referred to it as “Turkish delight”. Haci Bekir Efendi, who was one of the early producers of Turkish delights, travelled in Istanbul in 1777 from Kastamonu in 1777. He began to make Turkish sweets and delights in an unassuming shop that he established in Bahcekapi. Haci Bekir and his successors created Turkish delights with success for over 200 years. He was awarded the badge of Aliosmani by the sultan at that time and was also the chief confectioner for during the time of the Ottoman court. In the past, the production and flavor that was present in the Turkish delight was made by combining sugar or molasses, and flour, were changed using the introduction of a new recipe made with refined sugar, commonly referred to as “sugar cone” in the 17th century. Also, it was made with starch, which was discovered in the last few years.
A typical delicacy from Turkish culinary tradition, Turkish delight is a sweet that is eaten almost everywhere alongside Turkish coffees on celebrations of religious holidays celebrations, special occasions and rituals of worship, it is an integral part of Turkish culture. It is also widely known that it is extremely beneficial to health due to its nutritional benefits. This is Turkish delight’s nutritional benefits and 7 health benefits…
Dietary Values of Turkish Delight
Nutritional value for Turkish delights varies based on its type as well as the ingredients employed. Its nutritional content of classic Turkish delight should be as follows:
100 grams of Turkish delights contain 0.23 grams of protein 0.19 grams of fat 89.25 grams of carbs 19 milligrams of potassium and 5 milligrams calcium and 1 milligram of iron. The delight dissolves easily in the mouth and entices all by its flavor, the Turkish delight comes with a number of advantages, which are as follows:
1. After consumption the energy is converted quickly and is energy source.
2. It is beneficial for those who suffer from kidney diseases and it is recommended to eat varieties with vanilla or cocoa flavors.
3. It aids in eliminating the waste products that build up in the body because of excessive consumption of protein foods and is good for kidneys.
4. It is believed to be employed in a few regions of Anatolia to heal wounds.
5. Turkish delight made with saffron that also contains pistachios as well as citric acid. This helps to reduce stomach acid.
6. Coconut flavored Turkish delight with hazelnuts reduces the deformations of the skin.
7. The hard consistency Turkish delight is packed with acidity regulators which ease the tension.