The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HONEY-ANCIENT FOOD OF UKRAINE

ONE OF THE BASIC INGREDIENTS AND MOST BENEFICIAL FOOD FOR
UKRAINIANS IS HONEY. THE HONEY WAS CONSIDERED MEDICINAL AND
WAS GIVEN TO THE ELDERLY, THE SICK AND BABIES. MANY OF THE
UKRAINIAN RECIPES INCLUDE HONEY AS A BASIC INGREDIENT. THE
HOLIDAYS ALWAYS INCLUDE HOMEMADE BAKED GOODS. HONEY WAS
USED IN HONEYCAKE, KUTIA FOR CHRISTMAS AS SYRUPY HONEY AND
WHEAT, AND MIXED WITH THE FILLINGS OF NUT ROLLS AND POPPY
SEED ROLLS TO MAKE THEM MOIST AND SWEET. CERTAIN FANCY, RICH
CAKES CALLED TORTES ALSO INCLUDE HONEY WITH CREAM, BUTTER,
NUTS AND FLAVORINGS. EVEN TODAY, UKRAINIANS ARE LARGE
CONSUMERS OF HONEY FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE REASONS.

Where learned: CANADA ; ALBERTA ; MUNDARE

Date learned: 00001930S