Gaz (candy) facts for kids
Gaz of Isfahan
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| Type | Nougat |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |  Iran (Persia) |
| Region or state | Isfahan |
| Main ingredients | sugar or corn syrup, pistachio or almond kernels, rosewater, and egg whites |
Gaz (Persian: گز) is a yummy nougat candy from Iran. It started in the Isfahan region. Many people in America and Europe call it Persian Nougat.
Gaz is made with special ingredients. These include pistachios, almonds, rosewater, and egg whites. It also traditionally uses a sweet sap from a plant.
People often enjoy gaz with tea or a cold drink called sherbet. It's a popular dessert after a meal. Gaz is also a special treat for holidays like Nowruz, which is the Persian New Year.
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What's in a Name?
The word Gaz comes from gaz-angebin. This means 'Honey of Gaz'. It refers to a plant called Tamarisk (T. gallica). This plant grows in the Zagros Mountains near Isfahan. People used to think that gaz was made from the sap of this Tamarisk tree.
A Sweet History
Gaz has been made in Isfahan for about 450 years. Long ago, people found a sweet sap on the Tamarisk tree. They mixed this sap with flour, bread, pistachios, almonds, and even chocolate. This was done in traditional workshops.
The Tamarisk tree can grow up to two meters tall. It likes good weather in the Bakhtiari and Khansar mountains. Its sweet product is ready to collect in late summer. Shiny, yellow grains appear on the stems, looking like millet. Tree owners must collect them before the autumn rains.
The sweet, milky honey from the Gaz plant is like manna. Manna is a special food mentioned in old religious books.
How Gaz is Made
People once thought gaz came from Tamarisk tree sap. But later, they found out the sticky white stuff is actually honeydew. This honeydew is made by tiny insects called psyllids. These insects live on plants like Astragalus adscendens.
The honeydew is collected every year. Then it's mixed with other things. These include pistachios or almonds, rosewater, and egg whites. Today, some gaz might not use the psyllid honeydew. Instead, they might use sugar and corn syrup.
Different Styles of Gaz
Traditionally, gaz is served in round pieces. These are about 2 inches wide and half an inch thick. Today, you might also see it cut into smaller rectangles.
The taste of gaz can change depending on what's added. It might have a light rose flavor or a nutty taste. It can be white, or it can be a different color. This happens if spices like saffron or different nuts are added.
Nowruz Celebrations
Gaz is a big part of celebrations like Nowruz, the Persian New Year. During Nowruz, families and friends visit each other's homes. The host usually offers fruits and sweets to their guests.
Gaz is a favorite treat served with sherbet or tea. It's also a much-loved gift. Giving gaz helps make sure a home has plenty of snacks for all holiday visitors.
