Kwareżimal facts for kids
A kwarezimal (pronounced kwar-eh-zee-mal) is a special sweet biscuit from Malta. People usually bake and eat these biscuits during Lent. Lent is a time of year when some Christians fast or give up certain foods. Kwarezimal biscuits are made with flour, sugar, orange peel, and ground almonds. They are also vegan, meaning they have no animal products like eggs or milk.
Long ago, the Knights of Malta are thought to have created kwarezimal. Back then, sugar was seen as a spice, not just a sweet food. It was also very expensive! So, it was allowed during Lent, even when other foods were not.
In medieval Europe, people avoided animal products during times of penance or fasting. This meant no meat, eggs, or dairy. But this didn't mean meals were small or boring! People found clever ways to make food. For example, they might make fish look like deer meat. They even made fake eggs using fish roe and almond milk. Kwarezimal fits this tradition perfectly.
The Story of Kwarezimal
Christianity in Malta
The story of kwarezimal is linked to the history of Christianity in Malta. Many people believe that St Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked near Malta in 60 A.D. He was on his way to Rome for a trial. St. Paul is said to have brought Christianity to Malta. This made Malta one of the first places to adopt the Christian faith.
Later, the Knights of St John came to Malta. They helped make the islands' Christian traditions even stronger. Today, Maltese culture is still very much shaped by its faith. Most people in Malta are Roman Catholic. Many traditional Maltese sweets are only available at certain times of the year. These times are often connected to the Catholic calendar. Kwarezimal is one of these special treats.
Why Kwarezimal is Special
Kwarezimal biscuits are chewy and full of spices and ground almonds. The original recipe was simple. It did not use eggs or butter. This was because people avoided animal products during Lent. Giving up these foods was a way to show penance. Sugar was allowed because it was considered a spice, not a forbidden food. The word kwareżimal comes from the Italian word quarezima. This word refers to the 40 days of Lent fasting.
