Jaggery, also known as khoya, is a popular Indian sweet made from unrefined sugar, which is roasted until it caramelizes. Jaggery is made from sugarcane juice and is available in most Indian grocery stores.
Whatever time of the year one goes to India, there’s one common sight—ghee- clad sadhus and their followers doing rounds to collect offerings from people. These holy men are known as the sādhus. The Indian culture is full of mysticism. The sādhus are no exception. They believe that if they wear ghee, they will be protected from the elements and their life force will be kept strong. The word ‘sādhu’ means ‘one who is holy’ in Sanskrit. Ghee is the main component of sadhna. They wear ghee and carry ghee-filled vessels to perform their daily rituals. They believe that the ghee they wear protects them from the elements, keeps their life force strong, and makes them pure.
This sikh community follows a strict code of conduct with no red-light zones. Once they get ghee, they start roaming from house to house to collect offerings. For most people, the sight of sādhus roaming the streets might be a cause for distress, but for the sikh community, it’s nothing but a way to pay homage to the divine.
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What is Jaggery?
Jaggery is a sweet, golden syrup made from sugarcane or sorghum juice. Traditionally, it was made by roasting sugarcane juice over fire. Today, you can also buy it in ready-to-use packets.
India is a major player in the trade of Jaggery
India is the largest producer and exporter of Jaggery. It is also known as Khoya. Khoya is made from refined sugar, various ingredients, and water. Khoya is a yellowish-orange sweet, which can be hard at times.
How is Jaggery Made?
Jaggery is a sweet, golden syrup made from sugarcane or sorghum juice. Traditionally, it was made by roasting sugarcane juice over fire. Today, you can also buy it in ready-to-use packets. There are many other ways of making Jaggery.
Importance of Jaggery
Jaggery is a prominent sweet in India. It is also sold in other countries. In India, it is a traditional sweet, which is mostly consumed during the festival season.
Jaggery is also called Khoya. This is a yellowish-orange sweet, which can be hard at times. It is made from refined sugar, various ingredients, and water. It can also be consumed without any flavoring or coating.
Benefits of Jaggery
Improves blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Keeps you hydrated during the summer season.
Helps in weight loss when consumed regularly.
Prevents heart diseases and blood pressure problems.
Improves digestion, increases appetite.
Improves your skin and hair.
Prevents cancer and helps in fighting infections.