Halva with almonds 450 g

Halva is made from 60% sesame, and we can choose from various flavour combinations, such as vanilla, cocoa, almonds, chocolate, cranberries, biscuits…

According to Mr. Andreas Thomopoulos, a renowned Greek endocrinologist-diabetologist-dietitian, halva has significant health benefits, e.g., it counteracts hypertension and supports the proper functioning of the immune system.

In our daily diet, halva can be combined with yogurt and fruits, or wholemeal pancakes.

According to experts, combining halva with fresh or dried fruits, as well as wholemeal bread, is part of a balanced diet: it strengthens the body and boosts energy.

FOR HEART AND MIND:

Sesame contains B vitamins, phosphorus, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which contribute to better heart function.

Thanks to its iron content (prevents anemia), calcium, and other precious metals and minerals, it aids in proper metabolism and strengthens bones.

Halva is also a source of fibre, which lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the blood and aids digestion.

Sesame contains natural antioxidants, vitamin E, and selenium, which help fight free radicals that accelerate skin ageing.

Properties and beneficial effects of sesame-based products: 

·          Fights Cholesterol 

·         Strengthens the proper functioning of the immune system

·         Cataract prevention

·         Aids in diabetes treatment

·         Combats arterial hypertension

·         Contributes to the treatment of atherosclerosis

·          Contributes to proper liver function

Nutritional value: per 100 g

Ingredients: Sesame, sugar, glucose syrup, vanilla.

Depending on the flavour, additions include: almonds, cranberries, chocolate, cocoa, biscuit.

The traditional method of preparing halva is quite challenging:

1.   Sesame is rinsed with physiological saline to remove any foreign matter, then collected in special baskets.

2.   Subsequently, it undergoes 2-3 additional rinses to eliminate salinity.

3.   Roasting takes place in a special tube called "psistiria", where special "wings" move the sesame to prevent it from burning.

4.   Tahini (sesame paste) is prepared from roasted sesame using millstones, which is then placed in a semi-circular copper vessel called "pasimi".

5.   Separately, sugar is boiled with water to obtain a caramel consistency, to which (after reaching 115 degrees) the previously prepared "tahini" sesame is added.

6.   Then, a worker puts on special canvas gloves, extending above the elbows, and begins kneading the "dough".

7.   Kneading is particularly difficult because the mixture's temperature is around 80 degrees, very hard to endure, and requires skilled handling and great patience to achieve the best halva quality.

8.   Kneading the halva takes about 30 minutes, after which the still-warm halva is weighed and packed by hand.