Baklava dessert: The popular Turkish delicacy
Traditionally, our after-dinner reflexes used to include a scoop of ice cream or an authentic Indian dessert. But have you noticed? Lately, our ability to blend with diverse, rich cultures has opened doors to our stomachs! With the evolving era, the world of desserts, too, has seen a 360-degree shift. And talking about it, how can we forget the very popular Baklava dessert? This very sweet dish has won the hearts of many dessert lovers. Right from the classic Baklava to its various types and variants, it truly has suited the Indian taste buds. Its growing popularity makes us believe that people from various cities across India have truly loved it! In fact, people have now started considering them as a favourable gifting option. Having said so, how can we miss out on the details? In this article, we aim to acknowledge the many fun and interesting facts about Baklava. So, if you already are a Baklava lover, maybe we’ve got in more insights; and if you haven’t had a whiff, this might urge you to!
What are some fun facts about baklava?
Remember, these Baklava facts are shared because Baklava sweet being a popular Turkish dessert, is not only a dish. It has been a royal legacy that has been carried on all these years. Continuing this legacy, our aim, as the Baklava Company, is to bring in more taste along with authenticity!
Fact 1: The holy Baklava dessert
In the Greek edition of this dessert, the 33 layers of phyllo represent the 33 priceless years that Jesus Christ lived on earth. On any holy day, you can find a Turkish family preparing this delicacy, which has 33 layers. In Greece, there is also preparation for this meal with 40 layers. It is also a holy dessert from many other cultures like Muslims, Christians, etc. Apart from religious beliefs, these additional layers also serve as an add-on to the taste!
Fact 2: Baklava sweet and the regional variations:
From Greece to Lebanon to Serbia, each culture has some variations or minor differences in the making and techniques of Baklava. Some are a combination of cashews, nuts, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc. At the same time, others are a perfect mix of rose water, attar, orange, etc. Depending on the culture and its legacies, the taste of this popular dessert is dynamic! Therefore, the Baklava dessert you had in Greece will not match up to the one you’ll have in Serbia!
Fact 3: A national day for Baklava?
Finding an excuse to munch on this popular Baklava dessert? Don’t worry, 17th November is the day! Yes, there is an entire day dedicated to Baklava lovers! Traditionally, people opted the hard way and tried making this at home. But now, as there are multiple easier alternatives available, people simply order it! In your quest to ‘ Everything You Need to Know About Baklava’, this has to be the most iconic!
Fact 4: The bigger, the better:
A very sporty Baklava fact is that the largest Baklava ever produced weighed an astounding 513 kg. Taspakon, Ankara Valiligi, and Mado, located in Turkey’s Ankara, made this feasible. On March 22, 2018, it was created. The 2018 Ankara Gastronomy Summit is where it was created. Since then, a lot of cultures have been trying to make it bigger and better!
Fact 5: The tug for inception:
You might already have an idea about the inception war between Greece and Turkish. However, the fight is much more twisted. The kitchens of Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace are where baklava is believed to have originally appeared. The invention of the Baklava recipe is credited to numerous dynasties and cultures. It is also claimed that starting in the eighth century BC, Assyrians were the ones who were preparing it. But this is understood to have its roots in the Ottoman Empire.
Conclusion:
We know that the title says ‘TOP 5 Baklava facts’, but we have one more on the platter. Baklava, as mentioned previously, is available in plenty today. However, to get a whiff of the authentic flavour, go by facts and contact us. With different variations and combinations available, we are one of the leading makers of Baklava dessert!
FAQs
Baklava is the ancestor to the strudel.
It really is. Baklava is originally from Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East, but it was brought to Hungary by Turkish invaders during the 16th century. Hungary revised it and made it part of their culture as the strudel.
What is a fun fact about baklava? ›
Baklava is the ancestor to the strudel.
It really is. Baklava is originally from Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East, but it was brought to Hungary by Turkish invaders during the 16th century. Hungary revised it and made it part of their culture as the strudel.
What is special about baklava? ›
Baklava is among the most common sweets to serve for special occasions in modern-day Turkey and Greece and some Balkan countries. For baklava, 30 or 40 sheets of phyllo, each brushed liberally with melted butter, are layered in a baking pan with finely chopped walnuts, pistachios, or almonds.
What is baklava named after? ›
Some people believe that the word “baklava” actually came from Mongolia, where the root “bayla-” means “to tie, wrap, or pile up.” In this case, the word uses the “pile up” definition to refer to the act of layering the phyllo. However, this word is actually borrowed from Turkish!
How old is baklava? ›
The origins of baklava date back to ancient times. Around the eighth century B.C.E., people in the Assyrian Empire, which spread across parts of modern-day Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Syria and Turkey, arranged unleavened flatbreads in layers, with chopped nuts in between, to be enjoyed during special events.
What race is baklava? ›
The three main proposals for the roots of baklava are the Greek placenta cake, the Medieval Arab/Persian lauzinaj, and the Central Asian Turkic tradition of layered breads. There are also claims attributing baklava to the Assyrians, according to which baklava was prepared by them in the 8th century BC.
What country is baklava most popular? ›
The Best Baklava in the World
- Turkey - In Turkey, there are multiple varieties of baklava to choose from, and you may wonder about missing out on the traditional and traditional types. ...
- Syria - Syrian baklava is known for its light and flaky texture, as well as its sweetness.
History of baklava
It is often served at Christian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, when it is made with 40 sheets of phyllo dough to represent the 40 days of Lent. In Greece, it is traditionally made with 33 layers to symbolize each year of the life of Christ.
Why is baklava so expensive? ›
Baklava is made out of sugar (şerbet), yufka (sort of a flat layered dough) and antep fıstığı (pistachio). These three ingridients are very expensive in Turkey due to the shortages of production and current currency crisis.
What does the baklava symbolize? ›
During the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, baklava gained popularity and became a symbol of wealth and indulgence. It was prepared in the palaces of sultans and served during lavish feasts and celebrations.
Baklava has a really lengthy shelf life, lasting about 2+ weeks. It should be stored in an airtight container, either in room temperature or in the fridge. Storing in room temperature will preserve the crispness. If you like your baklava chewy and a bit harder, store it in the refrigerator.
What do they call baklava in Egypt? ›
Usually known as baklava around the world, Egypt has a different name for the layered phyllo dough dessert – goulash.
Is baklava healthy? ›
Baklava is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals
Nuts are an excellent source of heart-healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, vitamin E, and selenium. This makes Baklava a dessert that contributes positively to your nutrient intake.
What is the shape of baklava? ›
Cut and Bake
Cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. Be sure to cut all the way to the bottom of the pan. Bake until golden and crisp.
Does baklava have eggs? ›
Like most bakery items, eggs are used to help bake the baklava in some recipes. Some recipes don't require eggs or the egg wash mentioned earlier, so be sure to ask wherever you want to order your baklava.
Is baklava a healthy dessert? ›
Baklava is a rich source of several essential nutrients. For example, the nuts used in baklava are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and dietary fibre. Pistachios, one of the most popular nuts used in baklava, are also rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and antioxidants.
Why is baklava so sweet? ›
The mixture is sweetened using honey, syrup or sugar and flavored with a generous dusting of spices, typically cinnamon and nutmeg. The pastry is then brushed with butter or clarified butter and baked until crisp and golden brown. The baking process is what really gives baklava its crisp and flaky texture.
Is baklava from Egypt? ›
Baklava, is one of the most important desserts on the Egyptian table, especially during Ramadan. It is special thin, rectangular sheets of dough called goulash in Egypt, and filo in some Mediterranean countries such as Greece and Sicily.
Why do people eat baklava? ›
Beyond its delicious taste, baklava is imbued with deep cultural significance, serving as a bridge between generations and a symbol of hospitality and celebration.
