Nabat is one of the sweetest and most popular sugar-based products in Iran, holding a special place in traditional medicine and daily life from past to present. This crystalline sweet is not only used to sweeten tea and beverages, but also has applications in treating certain digestive issues. But have you ever wondered how Nabat is made? In this article, you will become familiar with the traditional production process of rock candy from start to finish.
The Complete Process of Nabat Production from Start to Finish
Selecting High-Quality Sugar
The first step in traditional Nabat production is selecting high-quality white sugar. The purer the sugar, the clearer, more crystalline, and tastier the final rock candy will be. Using impure sugar or sugar with additives reduces the quality of the Nabat
Dissolving Sugar in Water
Sugar is dissolved in a specific amount of boiling water to obtain a saturated solution. At this stage, large copper cauldrons or stainless steel containers are typically used, as they distribute heat evenly.
Syrup Purification (Settling and Filtering)
After the sugar is completely dissolved, the solution is heated, and the foam and impurities are removed using a cloth filter or a special mesh. This step is crucial for clarifying the Nabat.
Adding Flavorings (If Needed)
If the goal is to produce flavored Nabat, saffron, cinnamon, ginger, lemon, or rosewater are added at this stage. The flavorings should be natural and pure to provide a pleasant aroma and medicinal benefits.
Inserting the Nabat Stick or String
For the sugar to crystallize, the solution must stick to the string or Nabat stick. Cotton strings or special sticks are placed in the hot solution. These strings are usually arranged in frames and suspended inside the cauldron.
Start of Crystallization
For sugar crystallization to occur, the solution must adhere to the cotton string or Nabat stick. These strings or sticks are placed in the hot solution and are usually arranged in frames, suspended inside the cauldron.
Separation and Drying of Nabat
After crystallization is complete, the strings or Nabat sticks are removed from the cauldron and hung or laid out in a cool, dry, and dust-free environment to dry. This step helps to stabilize the shape and durability of the Nabat.
Final Packaging
The dried Nabats, after quality inspection and removal of cracked or misshapen samples, are hygienically packaged. At this stage, Nabat may be offered in various forms such as sticks, branches, crystals, or crushed pieces.
Traditional Nabat production is a precise, time-consuming process that requires skill. From selecting the sugar to crystallization and drying, every step demands high accuracy to achieve a high-quality, crystalline, flavorful, and durable product. If you are looking to buy authentic traditional Nabat, be sure to choose manufacturers who carefully follow these steps using traditional methods.
