You Won’t Believe How Agra Petha is Made – Sweet Secrets Revealed!

When people hear the name Agra, the first thing that comes to mind is the Taj Mahal. But ask any foodie, and they’ll say – Agra means Agra Petha! This white, juicy, and sugary sweet has been ruling hearts for centuries. But do you know how this famous Agra Petha is actually made? Let’s uncover the sweet-making secrets.

The Sweet Story Behind Agra Petha

Agra Petha is believed to be as old as the Mughal era. Some say it was first made in the royal kitchens of Shah Jahan. Over the years, it became the pride of Agra, and today, no visit to the city is complete without carrying boxes of petha back home.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Ash Gourd

The journey of Agra Petha starts with a vegetable called ash gourd (also known as winter melon). Big, firm, and white gourds are chosen. They are peeled and cut into small cubes or oval pieces – these will soon turn into the delicious petha you know.

Step 2: Soaking in Lime Water

The cut pieces are then soaked in lime water (chuna pani). This step helps keep the petha crisp and prevents it from getting soggy. After soaking for a few hours, the pieces are washed thoroughly.

Step 3: Boiling the Goodness

Next, the ash gourd pieces are boiled until they become soft yet firm. This is the stage where the magic begins. The boiling makes the pieces ready to absorb sugar syrup.

Step 4: Dipping in Sugar Syrup

Now comes the heart of Agra Petha making – the sugar syrup. The boiled pieces are slowly cooked in thick sugar syrup until they turn transparent and sweet from the inside. Sometimes saffron, kewra, or even fruit flavors are added for variety.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

Finally, the shiny, crystal-like pieces are cooled down and packed. Whether you like dry petha or the juicy “Angoori Petha,” both melt in your mouth and leave you craving more.

Why Agra Petha is So Special

The reason Agra Petha is loved by all is its unique taste – soft, juicy, and mildly fragrant. Over time, many variations have come up – chocolate petha, paan petha, mango petha – but the classic white petha still rules hearts.

Final Bite

So the next time you visit Agra, don’t just admire the Taj Mahal. Make sure to take a box of Agra Petha with you. After all, this sweet treat is not just food, it’s a piece of the city’s history and tradition!