Dragee

Dragee History

Dragee, also known as "akide, şekerleme" in Turkish, is a type of candy that is widely popular in Turkey. It is made by coating nuts, dried fruits, seeds, or other small objects with a thin layer of sugar, chocolate, or other sweet coatings. Turkish dragee has a long and rich history dating back to the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman period, dragee was a luxury item that was reserved for the wealthy and the nobility. It was often given as a gift on special occasions such as weddings, births, and religious holidays. The Ottoman confectioners were famous for their skill in making dragee, and their creations were highly prized. The tradition of making dragee in Turkey continued after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century. In the 1920s and 1930s, Turkish confectioners began to experiment with new flavors and ingredients, and the popularity of dragee continued to grow. Today, Turkish dragee is a popular snack and dessert that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is available in a wide variety of flavors and types, including chocolate-covered almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, and raisins, as well as traditional Turkish flavors such as rose, mastic, and Turkish delight. Turkish dragee is also exported to many countries around the world, and is considered to be a high-quality and unique Turkish product. Akide Candy: Akide candy is a traditional Turkish candy that is similar to dragee. It is made by coating nuts or dried fruits in a sugar syrup and then rolling them in powdered sugar or coconut flakes. Akide candy typically has a hard, crunchy texture and a sweet, fruity or nutty flavor. The name "akide" comes from the Arabic word "aqqad," which means to tie or bind, referring to the process of binding the sugar-coated nuts or fruits together to form a candy. Akide candy is often enjoyed as a sweet treat or snack and is also a popular gift item during holidays and special occasions. Some common flavors of akide candy include pistachio, hazelnut, almond, and apricot. The candy can also be made with a combination of different nuts and fruits for a more varied flavor profile. Akide candy is a popular confection in Turkish culture and can be found in many specialty candy shops and markets both in Turkey and around the world.

Features of Dragee

Dragee is a type of candy that is made by coating nuts, dried fruits, seeds or other small objects with a thin layer of sugar, chocolate, or other sweet coatings. Here are some features of dragee:

1. Variety of flavors: Dragee comes in a wide range of flavors, including chocolate-covered almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, raisins, and other dried fruits. It can also be made with traditional Turkish flavors such as rose, mastic, and Turkish delight.
2. Crunchy texture: The hard outer layer of sugar or chocolate gives dragee a crunchy texture, which can be satisfying to eat.
3. Colorful appearance: Dragee is often brightly colored, which makes it visually appealing and can make it a popular choice for decorating cakes and other desserts.
4. Long shelf life: Dragee can have a long shelf life when stored properly in a cool, dry place. This makes it a convenient snack to have on hand for impromptu gatherings or as a treat during the day.
5. Versatility: Dragee can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, used to decorate cakes and desserts, or added to trail mix or other snack mixes.
6. Traditional significance: In Turkey, dragee has a rich cultural and historical significance, often used as a traditional gift for special occasions such as weddings, births, and religious holidays.

Overall, dragee is a popular and versatile candy that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. However, it's important to consume dragee in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Dragee Serving

1. Portion control: Dragee is a high-calorie food and can be easy to overeat. It's important to practice portion control by limiting the amount you consume in one sitting. A small handful, or about 1-2 ounces, is a reasonable portion size.
2. Pair with healthy foods: To balance the sweetness of dragee, pair it with other healthy foods like fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, or whole-grain crackers. This can help you stay fuller for longer and avoid overeating.
3. Avoid as a meal replacement: While dragee can provide a quick burst of energy, it should not be used as a meal replacement. It is important to consume a variety of healthy foods from all food groups to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs.

Ingredients for Dragee

1. Nuts or dried fruits: The most common nuts used in dragee include almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts, while common dried fruits include raisins, cranberries, and apricots. These ingredients provide the main body of the dragee.
2. Sugar or chocolate coating: The sweet coating for dragee is typically made by melting sugar, honey, or chocolate with a small amount of water, syrup, or other liquids. The coating helps to create a crunchy texture and adds flavor to the candy. In some cases, natural flavors like vanilla, coffee, or fruit extracts may be added to the coating to enhance the taste.
3. Coloring: Food coloring is sometimes added to the coating to give dragee a vibrant appearance. Common colors include red, green, yellow, and blue.
4. Glaze or shellac: Some dragee may be coated with a glaze or shellac, which can help to preserve the candy and enhance its visual appearance.

Storage Conditions for Dragee

1. Cool and dry place: Dragee should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Exposure to heat and humidity can cause the sugar or chocolate coating to melt and stick together, which can alter the texture and appearance of the candy.
2. Airtight container: To help prevent moisture and humidity from affecting the candy, dragee should be stored in an airtight container. This can help to preserve the quality and freshness of the candy, and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors or flavors.
3. Refrigeration: While not required, dragee can be stored in the refrigerator to help extend its shelf life. However, it's important to keep the candy in an airtight container and to allow it to come to room temperature before consuming to prevent any condensation from forming on the candy.
4. Shelf life: The shelf life of dragee can vary depending on the specific type and flavor of the candy. However, if stored properly, dragee can typically last for several months to a year. It's important to check the expiration date on the package, and to consume the candy before it expires to ensure the best quality.

What is Dragee served with?

1. As a standalone snack: Turkish dragee can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, either on its own or mixed with other nuts and dried fruits.
2. With tea or coffee: In Turkish culture, dragee is often served as a sweet accompaniment to tea or coffee. It's common to offer guests a small bowl of dragee to enjoy alongside their beverage.
3. As a dessert topping: Dragee can be used as a decorative topping for desserts like cakes, cupcakes, and ice cream.
4. As a gift: In Turkish culture, dragee is often given as a gift for special occasions like weddings, births, and religious holidays.
5. In trail mix: Dragee can be added to trail mix or other snack mixes to provide a sweet and crunchy element.