Powidl facts for kids
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| Type | Spread |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Bohemia |
| Main ingredients | Prune plums (zwetschgen) |
Powidl is a special kind of fruit spread made from prune plums. These plums are also known as zwetschgen. Unlike many other spreads like jam or marmalade, powidl is made without adding extra sweeteners or things that make it thick, called gelling agents. All its sweetness and thickness come naturally from the plums themselves!
Discovering Powidl
The name Powidl (or powidel) comes from the Czech word povidla. This delicious spread is very popular in countries like Austria, Moravia, and Bohemia. It's a traditional food that has been enjoyed for a very long time.
How is Powidl Made?
Making powidl takes a lot of time and patience. The plums are cooked for many hours. This long cooking process helps the plums become naturally sweet and thick. To make sure the plums have enough natural sugar, they are picked as late as possible. Sometimes, they are even harvested after the first frost of the year!
Where is Powidl Popular?
Powidl is used in many tasty ways. In Austria, Moravia, and Bohemia, it's a key ingredient for several traditional desserts. You might find it inside sweet pastries called buchtels or in a special powidl cake. It's also used to fill large steamed dumplings known as Germknödel. Besides desserts, powidl is also simply spread on sandwiches, just like jam!
Powidl Traditions
In the past, people would make large amounts of powidl in late autumn. This was a big community event! Families and neighbors would gather to prepare it together. Making powidl involves constantly stirring the plums for hours. This is hard work, so people would take turns stirring. They would also do easier jobs in between their stirring shifts. This way, they could make enough powidl to last through the winter as a natural sweetener and food store. Powidl keeps well for a long time, especially when stored in traditional clay pots.
See also
In Spanish: Powidl para niños
