INTRODUCTION
Sweets or ‘mithai’ in Hindi, Traditional Indian sweets are not just sweet treats, but they also hold a special place in Indian hearts and traditions for centuries that have been passed down through generations. These goodies are made with authentic Indian constituents and are frequently associated with carnivals and fests.
WHO INVENTED SWEETS?
Prehistorically, honey was the first and oldest type of sweet used and consumed by people. Around 2,000 BC, the ancient Egyptians, who created sweets by blending fruits, nuts, and honey, are credited with developing confectionery. After that, in ancient India, sugar was farmed and used as a primary component in all Indian sweets.
HISTORY OF SWEETS
Indian sweets have a long history, dating back to ancient times. Sugar, which forms the introductory component for most of the sweets, has been refined from sugarcane cultivated in India thousands of times. Indians were the first to cultivate sugar around 500 BC. The English word “sugar” has its roots in Sanskrit, the word “sharkara” for refined sugar, while the word “Delicacy” comes from the word “khaanda” for unrefined sugar, one of the simplest raw forms of sweet. In ancient India, sweet dishes were made using honey, jaggery, and fruits. Sugar-based foods are also used as offerings, as bhoga in temples for the deities which after the prayers, became prasada and distributed to devotees.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Traditional Indian sweets have a rich cultural significance. Sweets are a thick part of Indian fests in India we say, before going to some good deeds, let there be commodity sweet means “shubh kaam karane se pahale kuch meetha ho jaaye”.
Sweets play a central part in every festival and festivity, whether it’s colorful Holi, the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Navratri, and Diwali, the festivity of marriage, achievements, or any success.
INDIAN’S LOVE FOR SWEETS
In the different languages of India, sweets are called by multiple names, a common name being “mithai”, also known as the delicacies of Indians. In many Indian houses, sweets are an integral part of meals, and no meal is considered complete without them. With the revolution, each region in India developed its unique sweets, which used original ingredients and different cooking skills.
During festive seasons, sweet shops expand to more than twice their size to keep up with the increase in demand. Without the flavors of sweets, feasts are not considered complete. Currently, with the revolution in time and technology, people are gradually shifting to packaged sweets that carry a guarantee of quality, long-lasting, as well as hygiene.
COMMON CONSTITUENTS AND STYLES OF PREPARATION OF INDIAN SWEETS:
Indians are known for their unique taste and experimental behavior when it comes to food. In India, there are different kinds of traditional Indian comprising different ingredients, and preferred types of sweets vary from region to region.
Utmost is grounded on milk products. Many are seasoned with almonds and pistachios, flavored with cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper, and decorated with nuts, or with gold and tableware splint paper. Some of the common constituents used in Indian sweets are different flours, milk, condensed milk, milk solids, fermented foods, root vegetables, raw and roasted seeds, seasonal fruits, fruit pastes, and dry fruits. The methods of preparation are relatively different using ways including freezing, frying, roasting, baking, and simple cooking etc.
WHY INDIAN SWEETS ARE POPULAR
Traditional Indian sweets have a rich history; they are an important part of Indian Cuisine and are associated with fests and celebrations. The use of traditional rich flavors and ingredients makes it unique.
Different Cuisine styles such as frying, roasting, and baking make it flavorful. Nowadays customized sweet options such as sugar-free sweets, gluten-free, etc. are also available as per the requirements and health preferences of customers. So, that’s why many traditional Indian sweets are popular and loved by people all over the world.
POPULAR NORTH INDIAN SWEETS
In India, many traditional Indian sweets are popular and loved by people not only in India but also all over the world. Some popular North Indian sweets are:
Laddu, Malpua, Gulab Jamun, Gajar pak, Petha, Rabri, Gevar, Imarti, Barfi, Pateesha, Son Papdi, Kheer, Boondi, Kalakand, Peda, Jalebi, Kaju Katli.