Energy bars first became popular in the 1960s in conjunction with the new and much publicized space program. They were targeted at people looking for a quick boost of energy but who had no time for a proper meal. Since then, people of all ages turn to them during their snack breaks at work or at school. However, how many of you knew that this kind of energy snack is not so new a concept? One of the oldest recipes comes from Ancient Greek times and it is called pasteli. Pasteli is a kind of nougat candy made of two special ingredients: sesame and honey. It is a crunchy, tasty sweet with ancient roots. Honey or nectar was the food of the gods in ancient Greek mythology. Pasteli, or sesamus as it was then called, is mentioned by the ancient historian, Herodotus and in Homer’s Iliad. It was a snack eaten by soldiers during battles and by civilians during long working days, in order to build energy. Pasteli was and still is a customary offering for brides after the wedding ceremony as it is a symbol of fertility. The delicacy is cut into triangles, and wrapped in clear plastic, and tied with a ribbon. Many islands still hold onto theses traditions during celebrations. However, there is more to this great snack than meets the eye. Many ancients referred to it as the secret to great health, including Hippocrates himself. Man has known the nutritional values of both honey and sesame since ancient times throughout the world. It is probably the oldest known remedy to man. Honey is considered a natural treatment for many ailments. It is not only a tasty liquid but also a natural antiseptic and antioxidant. Honey can be used to treat many gastric and intestinal disorders, inflammation and even cuts and soars. Pasteli's therapeutic attributes are many and scientists are constantly discovering more of them. Sesame, on the other hand, is a natural protector against aging, cancer and chronic disease. It is rich in minerals and vitamins that are vital to the body for proper bone growth as well as red blood cell and hormone production. Just a handful a day is the recommended daily dose for good health. So, when the ancients put these two ingredients together, they created a miraculous and powerful energy snack. Much of Greece is rocky and mountainous and traveling through it on foot could be arduous. It is no wonder they needed a boost of energy every now and then. Luckily, this simple recipe was passed on from generation to generation and we can still enjoy this rich and healthful snack.

by S Pappas greekinfo@gmail.com
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