A key ingredient in the Ottoman royal food, Turkish delight dates back to the past. It is well-known that the sweet “abhisa” was consumed frequently by the Sasanians who were in power between 224 and 651 AD. during the Persian Empire. “Abhisa” could be the precursor to Turkish delight, but it is not clear. In the beginning, Turkish delight was called “rahat-ul Hulkum” meaning “throat soother”. It was later renamed “rahat the word “lokum”. Then, it was changed yet again to “lokum” in contemporary Turkish.
In addition to being popular in Anatolia since around the year 15th, this was made well-known in the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century. It became known to Europe around the turn of the century, with 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 then began to make Turkish delights and sweets at the small shop he established in Bahcekapi. Haci Bekir and his successors created Turkish delights with success for over more than 200 years. He was awarded the badge of Aliosmani by the Sultan of the time and was the chief confectioner for during the time of the Ottoman court. Before, the process of making and taste that was present in the Turkish delight that was created using sugar or molasses, and flour, was changed by the introduction of a new recipe made with refined sugar, also called “sugar cone” in the 17th century. Also, it was made with starch, which was discovered in the last few years.
A typical delicacy that are part of the traditional Turkish food, Turkish delight is a sweet that is eaten almost everywhere alongside Turkish coffees, during holy days celebrations, special occasions and rituals of worship, it is a significant part of the Turkish culture. Additionally, it’s widely known that it is extremely healthy due to its nutritional value. Below are Turkish delight’s nutritional value and 7 health benefits…
The nutritional value of Turkish Delight
Nutritional value for Turkish delights varies based on its kind and the ingredients that are used. Nutritional value for the classic Turkish delight is 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 potassium, five milligrams calcium and 1 milligram of iron. It dissolves quickly in your mouth and entices all by its flavor, the Turkish delight comes with a number of advantages that are described below:
1. Once it has been consumed the energy is converted quickly and serves as energy source.
2. It is beneficial to people who suffer from kidney diseases and it is recommended to eat one with vanilla or cocoa flavors.
3. It aids in eliminating the waste products that build up within the body as a result of excessive consumption of protein foods and is good for kidneys.
4. It is believed to be utilized in certain regions of Anatolia to heal wounds.
5. Turkish delight made with saffron which is also a source of pistachios and citric acid. It helps to reduce stomach acid.
6. Coconut flavored Turkish delight with hazelnuts reduces the appearance of skin wrinkles.
7. A hard consistency Turkish delight is packed with acidity regulators, which help ease the tension.
