Pastilla is a slightly forgotten treat, less caloric and sweet than the more popular "relatives" of marshmallows and marmalade. The composition of the pastille in accordance with GOST includes only natural ingredients that determine the usefulness of the product.
What is made of pastille - the composition of goodies
Pastila is a common delicacy in the world, the recipes of which differ slightly. However, in pre-revolutionary Russia, the pasta was prepared special - based on Antonov apples, which in Western Europe were not common. It is because of the sour taste of this main ingredient that Russian pastil , especially Kolomna, was considered a real delicacy.
Since in apple puree there are enough natural gelling substances - pectins, the classical recipe did not include gelatin and agar-agar, and for sweetness a bit of honey was added to the pastille. Apple puree strongly boiled until thickened, mixed with honey, rolled into a thin layer on the canvas and stretched to dry over the oven. The ready-made pastille was cut into small slices and stored in a sealed container so that they did not dry out. Sometimes several layers of pastille were combined and dried for a second time.
A little later, a recipe for pastilles appeared with the addition of egg whites. Dessert in this case turned out to be airy, like a marshmallow. Experimented confectioners and with berry and fruit bases, finding out that a good pasta is obtained from cowberry, mountain ash, raspberry and currant puree. However, most often from such a pastille only taste layers were made between apple layers.
Today, in industrial production according to GOST, pastilles are prepared with the addition of gelatin, agar-agar, pectin, flour, molasses or sugar. Some manufacturers add dyes and flavors to their products, which is permitted by technical conditions, but is hardly useful.
Nutritional value of pastille
The calorie content of the most common pastilles with the addition of proteins is 324 kcal. This product is rich in carbohydrates (carbohydrates - 99%), the protein content is insignificant (up to 1%), and does not contain fat. Part of the carbohydrate component of the paste is represented by plant fibers, which are necessary for the qualitative purification of the body of harmful substances that accumulate in the intestine. And the "light" carbohydrates contained in the paste, give the person strength, energy and an excellent positive mood.
Vitamin-mineral composition of the pastille includes vitamins C, PP and B2, as well as iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium , which guarantees the usefulness of the product for the body. Vitamins are important for the functioning of the nervous system, eye health and excellent immunity. The lack of vitamin B2 can lead to oxygen starvation of the body cells and adversely affect mental and physical activity. Mineral components contained in the paste, participate in the blood, strengthen the bone tissue, heal the cardiovascular system.
How to choose a useful pastille?
The classic composition of the pastille guarantees the receipt of a useful and absolutely natural treat. Harm it can only bring with intolerance of components or excessive use.
Quality pastille should be dry, matte, without any foreign coating and cracks. The color of the pastille should not be conspicuous by its brightness - it is best to prefer a natural shade product. The taste of a good pastille is not cloying, but slightly sour, without synthetic "fruit" tastes.