Ponk facts for kids
Ponk, also sometimes called Paunk, is a yummy snack from Gujarat, a state in India. It's made from special young sorghum grains that are roasted. People often mix it with other tasty things like sev, which is a crispy noodle-like snack.
What is Ponk?
Ponk is a unique and delicious snack. It's made from green, young sorghum grains. These grains are carefully roasted until they are just right. The roasted grains are also known as vani or hurda. Ponk is a popular treat, especially during the colder months.
When Can You Enjoy Ponk?
Ponk is a seasonal snack. It's naturally available only during the colder winter months. This usually means from November through February. The very best time to enjoy ponk is around December and January. Thanks to new technologies, you might even find it a bit earlier in late October or later in early March.
How is Ponk Made?
Making ponk is a special process. The green, immature sorghum grains are harvested. Then, the stalks of the sorghum plant, which hold the grains, are roasted over charcoal. After roasting, the grains are gently beaten out from their soft coverings. This process helps to separate the delicious ponk grains. Good ponk should be bright green and feel soft, almost like a jelly.
Where Does Ponk Come From?
Ponk is often brought from the area around Hazira to local food stalls. These stalls are usually found in the Surat district of Gujarat. It's a fresh snack that travels from the farms to the people who love to eat it!
