Halva is an ancient oriental delicacy, familiar to each of us from childhood. Each of us keeps its unique taste and aroma in our memory, without even thinking about what is included in halva, whether this product is useful, what its history is and what it is like. Meanwhile, she has something to boast about and be proud of.
Iran is considered the birthplace of halva. Here they began to do it back in the 5th century BC. The Crusaders brought the product that they admired to Europe. And in Russia, this exquisite oriental sweetness became known only in the twentieth century. In this case, the usual halva from sunflower seeds can be considered our national invention. In the “historical homeland” it is made from sesame seeds, nuts, carrots and many other products, but not from sunflower seeds. This type of dessert is popular in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, where a sunny flower grows in abundance.
The composition of sunflower halva differs from the classic recipe only in the oil base. Otherwise, it is the same as it was invented in the East: oil-saturated seeds, caramel or sugar syrup and a foamy component in the form of licorice root or soap root. United in a homogeneous mass, they form the very delicate fibrous structure that is so liked by all sweet tooth.
In addition to sunflower, peanut halva is popular in Russia, sometimes in shops you can find sesame and pistachio. Recently, manufacturers have been adding variety to the assortment due to fillers, adding raisins, dried apricots, cocoa. Chocolate sweets filled with halva are also becoming increasingly popular. There are many recipes on how to cook your favorite treat at home. And here it’s taste only depends on the hostess’s imagination! After all, even the simplest composition of sunflower halva can be changed, transforming the final product beyond recognition. For example, try using honey instead of sugar, combining its healing power with the beneficial qualities of seeds. And the cooking technology itself greatly affects the taste of dessert. That is why in the East it is still prepared only by hand.
By the way, a treat so familiar to us has many valuable properties. Sunflower seeds, which are a large part of sunflower halva, are rich in vegetable protein, folic acid, and vitamins. Its regular use has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and the work of the gastrointestinal tract. This is a great way to get rid of depression and lower cholesterol. Therefore, the presence of halva in the diet is indicated for nervous disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
But it should be remembered that abuse of this medicine, like any other, is unacceptable. First of all, due to the high calorie content (almost 530 kcal per 100 grams of product), this most valuable product is contraindicated for overweight people. Sugar, which in large quantities is part of sunflower halva, excludes it from the menu of patients with diabetes. Caution should also be exercised for those prone to allergies. Well, for everyone else, a small daily portion of ancient oriental sweets is only good. Enjoy your meal!