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A Bengali's rendezvous with Khejur gur since ancient time
Palm jaggery has been an integral part of Bengali culture since immemorial and is tightly connected to the traditional winter sweet specialty in Bengal. The story of the coming of nolen gur into traditional sweet desserts is as old as the history of Bengal. It is believed that during the 4th century BC, there lived a community that was skilled in collecting sap of date palm and used to sell this sweet sap into the market. Later, this spread into many parts of present-day Bengal and became an integral part of Bengali cuisine.
Nolen gur and kejur patali or palm jaggery
Jhola gur is a solidified version of nolen gur that is when nolen gur is reduced into thick consistency, it becomes solidified to create kejur patali. It is a winter specialty of Bengal. Winter season in Bengal generally brings considered a season of kejur patali. Bengalis prefer this jaggery to prepare desserts or consume nolen gur with hot rotis for breakfast.
Palm jaggery in Bengali cuisine
Known for its distinct flavor, it is an important part of preparing some special Bengali cuisine, especially in colder months. Different dishes are prepared with nolen gur as a main ingredient in colder months. For Bengalis, this jaggery is an emotion, festivals in colder months cannot be imagined without this jaggery. Some popular dishes that are made from this jaggery are nolen gur sandesh, patishapta, payesh, and rasogulla. Jhola gur has also cultural significance, during Durga Puja this sweet jaggery is offered as a part of puja rituals.
The cultural significance of khejur gur in Bengal
- Poush Sankranti
During Poush Sankranti, many variations of pithas and sweet desserts are prepared in every Bengali house. The traditional pithas are made with rice powder, coconut, milk, and patali gur and celebrate harvest in Bengal. Sweet shops in Bengal can be seen filled with khejur gur sandesh and khejur gur rasgolla.
- Culinary practices
The jaggery has also been used in making curries and condiments in place of refined sugar. Patali gur adds a unique and distinct flavor to the food items. It's mandatory in every Bengali home to prepare rice pudding with this jaggery on the occasion of birthdays.
- Symbol of cultural heritage
Khejur patali gur is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Bengal, for many generations, this sweet jaggery has been a part of Bengali's main food item ingredients. These jaggery have often been prepared by local artisans that showcase our rich cultural heritage. In Bengal, the winter festivals are celebrated by preparing different sweet dishes with the jaggery.
- Economic significance
The making of jhola gur also has economic significance in rural Bengal in providing extra income to rural farmers in the winter season. The trade of jaggery making and selling helps a small community in rural Bengal to sustain itself during colder months.
- Impact on environment
The production and processing of khejur gur has less impact on the environment. This economy is completely eco-friendly and contributes to community development in rural Bengal. The process of extracting the liquid is harmless to the palm tree and the jaggery is produced without any of chemicals and preservatives, which makes the jaggery more pure and sustainable.
- Medicinal use
Jhola gur has medicinal use in Bengal, for example, jaggery is commonly consumed in winter to treat colds and coughs. Many Bengalis are known to consume a piece of jaggery in the morning to get extra medicinal benefits of the jaggery. Jaggery is known to make immunity strong and also helps in keeping the digestive system strong.
The nutritional benefits of nolen gur
The gur not only offers a distinct taste but also offers many nutritional benefits.
- It is rich in iron, consumed with moderation can provide an excellent source of iron and it is good for blood circulation and provides energy.
- The jaggery is also rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
- It contains antioxidants that support immunity in the body by flushing toxins.
Jaggery or sugar: adopt a healthy choice for a healthy lifestyle
Bengalis are known for their love for food and Bengali sweets; a meal remains incomplete without any sweets. One cannot think of a meal complete without any desserts. Bengalis are growing health conscious now and adopting a holistic and healthy lifestyle. They are slowly switching to traditional food ingredients from processed food items. While comparing jaggery with sugar, obviously jaggery is a healthier choice than sugar, but moderation is the key to getting maximum health benefits. The sugar has a high glycemic index that is responsible for blood sugar spiking. Sugar has no minerals as the minerals are lost during the processing of sugar. Excessive intake of sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity and can affect metabolism causing weight gain. Bengalis are now slowly switching back to jaggery not only to enjoy authentic sweet desserts made from jaggery but also to reduce the health risks of consuming sugar such as the accumulation of fats and insulin resistance.
Conclusion
The jaggery is not only a sweet eatable food item for Bengalis but also it is a symbol of Bengal's traditions and rich cultural heritage. It has a special place in each home of Bengal, be it an anniversary or any Puja, a sweet being prepared with jhola gur is a must. The jaggery not only enhances the sweetness and flavor of Bengali dishes but also reflects the true essence of Bengali. Bengali expatriates often miss the true taste of jhola gur during winter and festive seasons which makes them more prone to homesickness. But now no more, MonBangla has opened the option of buying authentic jaggery from their online shopping store. Now, a Bengali expatriate can enjoy authentic gur with just a click of the switch by shopping online from a store that sells authentic khejur gur with quality assurance. Bengali or anyone who wants to enjoy the true flavor of Bengali desserts can now avail of this jaggery from MonBangla at the most affordable and attractive price. Now start cooking and enjoy the flavor of nolen gur sweet dishes.
