What is halva?
It’s a traditional sweet, which is popular in huge territory. Various sources claim that it originated in the Middle East and later spread out to the Balkan peninsula, North Africa and even India. Nowadays halva is much appreciated dessert in almost half of the Europe (if you add on Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine and big part of Russia to the Balkan states). Nevertheless, the Middle East still offers the biggest variety of halva. But this sweet is more and more on demand in other countries, notably UK and US, because of the great beneficial properties.
In ancient times halva was made from dates and milk or from sesame seeds and honey. As the time passed, more variations of it were invented, more ingredients were tried, more complex ways of production were used. These days in different countries you may find a lot of quite similar and totally diverse kinds of halva (which may be called helva, halawa, chalva, halwa, halvah, chałwa, alva, haleweh, halava, helava, halua, aluva etc). But in fact there are two main types of halva: flour based and nut based. The most common to Europeans is the latter one, made from crushed sesame or sunflower seeds, sugar syrup and flavors. Very often the extra ingredients like nuts, cocoa, dried fruits or even chocolate are added to it. I noticed that halva is a little bit varied in every country. So there‘s much to explore, if you like this sweet.
You may also call it the oldest food supplement in the world, as halva contains a lot of essential minerals, fatty acids, dietary fiber, proteins, aminoacids and other useful elements. But stay sane and indulge this dessert in a moderate way because of the high sugar content. Up to 30 g of halva should be enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Would you like to try it. Halva is are waiting for you in our store.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.2% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.3% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.5% Nah - not for me
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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