Modi gifts Slovak speaker this traditional sweet with long shelf life: Health benefits

Slovak Speaker Richard Rasi, who recently visited India, got a special gift from Indian PM Narendra Modi. Modi, who had famously gifted Gujarat's kesar mangoes to the UAE President and the melodi chocolates to the Italian PM, gave Rasi a traditional Indian sweet called Thekuva or thekua. The festive sweet, which is quite popular in Jharkhand and Bihar, is often made during the Chhath Puja celebrations and is given along with textiles, crafts and art items. The sweet is made with wheat flour, fennel seeds, sugar, jaggery, and ghee, and is also known for its long shelf life. If stored properly, it can last more than a month, according to various food experts, even without preservatives.

Thekuva health benefits
Traditionally, thekuva is prepared with whole wheat flour as the main ingredient, which ensures a slow release of energy from its complex carbohydrates. The ingredient also helps prevent a sudden sugar crash. As thekuva is often sweetened with jaggery, the sweet also gives a good dose of antioxidants, iron and magnesium. Ghee, the other healthy ingredient in it, helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. At times, the sweet is also enriched with dry coconut, fennel seeds, and some dry fruits for extra taste and nutritive value.

What to be careful of
Thekuva is rich with healthy ingredients, but it is a deep-fried snack. Therefore, it is calorie-dense and should be enjoyed only in moderation. These days, many also make a baked version of thekuva, which is considered a healthier option. It is generally not advisable to have it late at night, as it can cause a feeling of heaviness and even acid reflux.

How to enjoy it the best
a) Thekuva is enjoyed the best as a pre-workout meal
b) The snack is also ideal for a mid-morning treat
c) If you want to enjoy it at your tea time, pair it with a herbal, healthy tea