Pastillas facts for kids
 
Top: unwrapped pastillas;
Bottom: a set of wrapped pastillas |
|
| Type | Sweets |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Philippines |
| Region or state | San Miguel, Bulacan, San Pedro, Laguna |
| Main ingredients | Carabao or cow milk |
Pastillas (say: pas-TEE-yas), also known as pastillas de leche (meaning "milk pills"), are a popular sweet treat from the Philippines. They are a type of soft, chewy candy made mostly from milk.
These delicious sweets first came from the town of San Miguel in Bulacan province. Over time, the art of making pastillas spread to other parts of the Philippines, like Cagayan and Masbate.
What Are Pastillas?
Pastillas are a traditional Filipino candy. They are known for their rich, milky flavor. People often enjoy them as a dessert or a snack.
How Are Pastillas Made?
Originally, farmers who raised carabao (water buffalo) made pastillas at home. They used fresh carabao milk. Today, pastillas are made from either carabao milk or cow milk, or sometimes a mix of both.
To make pastillas, the milk is cooked slowly. Refined sugar is added to make them sweet. A little bit of calamansi juice (a small, sour citrus fruit) is also added. This gives the pastillas a slightly tangy taste. The mixture is cooked until it becomes thick. Then, it is shaped into small, bite-sized pieces.
The Pastillas Festival
In San Miguel, Bulacan, people love pastillas so much that they have a special festival! The Pastillas Festival has been celebrated every May since 2006. It is a fun event that celebrates this famous local candy.
What is Pabalat?
A special part of the Pastillas Festival is the pabalat tradition. Pabalat refers to the beautiful, delicate paper wrappers used for pastillas. These wrappers are made from colorful paper that is cut into amazing designs. The designs often show flowers, animals, or other patterns. Displaying these artistic wrappers is a big part of the festival.
