Talkhan facts for kids

Talkhan is a special sweet treat from Tajik cuisine. It is made using walnuts and either red or white mulberry fruits. People often say that Talkhan looks a bit like chocolate. However, it is usually lighter in color and has a rougher texture. This unique sweet is mostly made in the Hindu Kush mountain areas, especially in a place called Panjshir Province in Afghanistan.

History of Talkhan

Talkhan played an important role during a time of conflict in Afghanistan. When the Soviet Union was involved in Afghanistan, Talkhan became a key food for local fighters. These fighters were known as the Mujahaddin.

Talkhan as an Energy Bar

Talkhan was very useful because it was easy to make. It also stayed good for a long time without spoiling. This made it a perfect "energy bar" for the fighters. It helped many of them stay fed in the tough mountains of Panjshir.

Some reports say that Russian soldiers were surprised by Talkhan. They thought the Mujahaddin were eating "stones." This was because dried Talkhan is very hard. Its color, which can be light to dark brown, also made it look like stones. This color comes from mixing white and red mulberries with walnuts.