Zefir (food) facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Zephyr, zephir | ||||||
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| Course | Confectionery | ||||||
| Main ingredients | fruit purée, egg whites, sugar | ||||||
| Variations | Food coloring | ||||||
| 329 kcal (1377 kJ) | |||||||
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| Glycemic index | 65 (medium) | ||||||
Zefir (Russian: зефи́р) is a yummy, soft candy. It's a bit like a marshmallow, but often lighter. People make Zefir by mixing fruit puree, sugar, and egg whites.
They also add something special to make it thick and jiggly. This can be pectin, agar, or gelatin. Zefir is very popular in countries that were once part of the Soviet Union. Its name comes from Zephyrus, the Greek god of the gentle west wind. This name fits because Zefir is so light and airy!
Contents
What is Zefir?
Zefir is a type of sweet treat. It's a soft, foamy candy. It feels very light when you eat it.
How is Zefir Made?
Zefir is made from simple ingredients. The main ones are fruit puree, sugar, and egg whites.
- First, fruit puree (often apple) is mixed with sugar.
- Then, egg whites are whipped until they are foamy.
- Next, a special ingredient is added. This ingredient helps the mixture become thick and hold its shape. It can be pectin from fruits, agar from seaweed, or gelatin.
- Finally, the mixture is shaped and left to set.
Where Does Zefir Come From?
Zefir has a long history. It comes from a traditional Russian candy called pastila.
Pastila is also made from fruit puree. Zefir is like an updated version of pastila. It has added egg white foam and a gelling agent. This makes it much lighter and softer.
What Does Zefir Look Like?
Zefir often looks like a traditional meringue. Meringues are light, baked sweets made from egg whites and sugar.
However, Zefir is different from meringue. Meringue is usually crispy. Zefir is always soft and never crunchy.
- Zefir is usually white.
- It can also be pink if berries or cherries are used.
- Sometimes, it's green if it has an apple flavor.
- A very popular kind of Zefir is covered in chocolate.
How is Zefir Similar to Other Treats?
Zefir is often compared to other soft candies.
- It has a texture similar to marshmallows.
- It's also like the filling found in modern Oreo cookies.
- Another similar treat is krembo, a chocolate-covered marshmallow treat.
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A chocolate-coated zefir
