A Sweet History: The Interrelationship of Sesame and Peanut Candy to Keralite Society

Generations of Keralites have indulged themselves in the joy of munching sweet and nutty snacks made from the goodness of peanuts and sesame seeds.

From the now famous Kadala mittai or peanut candy, all the way to the mildly nutty ellu mittai (sesame candy) and beyond, all these sweets have their stories to tell, which are all associated with the cultural practices of Southern India.

What Are the Roots of Kadala Mittai and Ellu Mittai?

The story of the so called kadala mittai (Peanut candy, also called kadalai mittai in English spelling) is bound to the kitchen, the social night markets that change over time.

Traditionally made with roasted peanuts, jaggery and sometimes, cardamom, kadala mittai was created with its consumers in mind due to its compound ingredients and its appeal.

Jaggery, a concentrated form of sugar cane juice, gives the candy a profound sweetness, somewhat akin to caramel, along with a range of nutrients. However, this innocent candy offers much more than meets the eye.

Centers like Kovilpatti in Tamilnadu have been known for making kadala mittai using various roasting and blending processes that are unique.. Over time, this delicious treat became a favorite in Kerala too,

Kerala’s famous kadala mittai is crafted with local peanuts sourced from Kerala, creating a flavor profile cherished by Keralites.

where it’s still enjoyed during festivals and special gatherings. These treats, also known as ‘kadalai mittai’ in English, are more than snacks; they’re a reminder of Kerala’s culinary heritage.

And over the years it has come to mean home made and simply brings a warm feeling to the heart.

Likewise, ellu mittai (a type of sesame candy) was common in most traditional South Indian homes. Composed of white or black sesame seeds and sweetened with powdered jaggery, it has been known to be appreciated as a nutritious snack.


Why People Love These Snacks

The ellu mittai benefits and kadala mittai benefits go far deeper than being crunchy and lovely in your mouth. These sweet items are rich in protein, fiber and antioxidants.

Calcium and magnesium rich sesame seeds, for example, promote bone care and peanuts are rich in protein. It is no surprise that ellu mittai and kadala mittai are family secrets that have been passed down forever because of their delicious taste.

In addition, their glycemic index is also comparatively low, using jaggery as opposed to white sugar. All these contribute to their popularity among people who are health conscious and would like to satisfy their sweet tooth without the huge spike in blood sugar.

Their nutrition facts make them ideal for school kids, people on the go, and those who require instant energy.

A Bite of Tradition in Every Bar
When you try a peanut candy bar or a sesame candy bar from Kerala, you’re savoring a tradition that has remained largely unchanged over centuries.

Each bite embodies the spirit of Kerala’s history and its deep connection to the land and its people. Many stores and local markets offer kadalai mittai and ellu mittai, giving people around the world a taste of Kerala’s heritage.

Making Kadala Mittai and Ellu Mittai at Home
Wondering how to make kadala mittai at home? It’s simple, satisfying, and delicious. For a kadala mittai recipe that’s close to the traditional version, you’ll need roasted peanuts, jaggery, and a pinch of cardamom for flavor.

Melt the jaggery in a pan, add the peanuts, and let it cool until it forms a delicious, crunchy treat. Some people even add a hint of sea salt to balance out the sweetness.

For those interested in making ellu mittai, simply roast sesame seeds and combine them with melted jaggery. These treats are especially popular during festivals and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Discovering the Legacy of Kerala’s Candy
In today’s world, the popularity of these sweets has expanded, with people ordering for peanut candy and sesame online to get a taste of Kerala’s timeless treats.

From kadalai mittai to ellu mittai and everything in between the love and heritage for kerala continues in which these traditional healthy snacks offer a sweet glimpse into Kerala’s past while serving as nutritious, enjoyable treats in the present.

For anyone looking to buy peanut candy or sesame candy, whether in local markets or online, each bar offers a chance to experience a piece of Kerala’s cultural heritage—one bite at a time.

And we’re here to offer you that bite in our shop, order now