Fasting and other types of abstinence are an integral part of Orthodox culture and religion. And although not every believer adheres to all their severity, many try to the best of their ability. The longest Lent, preceding Easter, lasts almost a month and a half. Throughout this time, believers seek not to eat animal products, limit themselves to other earthly pleasures and remain in prayer.
Allowed Sweets
Most Orthodox, trying to adhere to all the customs of faith, cannot understand whether it is possible to eat honey in fasting. On the one hand, it is not among the banned products. On the other - it is still of animal origin, because it is produced by bees. In addition, honey is a sweet, and therefore a certain excess.
It is clear to everyone that during fasting they donโt eat cakes and pastries, pastries and chocolate due to the presence of milk, butter, eggs and other
food products in their composition
. On the other hand, sugar is acceptable. Many housewives even adapted to bake lean cakes, cookies and gingerbread cookies. After all, living without sweets for a long time is very difficult, especially for children. And honey is used in fasting in many monasteries, so ordinary parishioners need not worry about this.
A bit of history
In Christianity, at all times, honey was considered pleasing to God. Many monasteries have their own apiaries, Orthodox even have saints - the patrons of beekeeping. We are talking about Zosima and Savvatia, who founded the Solovetsky monastery.
Even in times of strict observance of Christian traditions in Russia, it was believed
that you can eat honey
in fasting . There are several confirmations of this fact. Firstly, many
recipes of lean dishes were preserved
, into which he entered. These are sweet cereals, and baked fruits (pears, apples), and drinks. Secondly, the most stringent Assumption Lent, starting on August 14 and lasting 2 weeks, is associated with honey. On its first day, also called the Honey Savior, it is customary to consecrate this sweetness in temples, and then take care of it all year round and use it on holidays or in times of ailments.
It was customary for the poor in Russia to sacrifice, including honey, since it was believed that this was a gift of God that needed to be shared. Known for his modesty and asceticism, Baptist John was very unpretentious in food. He fasted throughout the year and did not eat animal food. Of the goodies in his diet was only wild honey. This is one of the reasons for its use by Christians without restrictions.
The opinion of nutritionists
In recent years, not only believers and clergymen, but also doctors have spoken about the benefits of fasting. Any organism needs unloading and purification. But this does not mean at all that the diet during the fasting period should be meager and monotonous. If the body does not receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals for a long time, it can be harmful. Natural honey contains them in large quantities. So the doctors here are completely unanimous in their opinion. And if they ask if it is possible to eat honey in the post, then gastroenterologists, nutritionists, and other specialists will answer what is needed. This is especially true on the eve of Easter, when there are still few fresh vegetables and greens, and last year there were almost no vitamins left. Honey in this case will be just salvation.
Lean sweets recipes
In order to diversify the diet a little, even during the ban on culinary excesses, experienced housewives manage to surprise their loved ones with all kinds of goodies. Sure, honey is good on its own. But, firstly, eating too much of it will not work. And, secondly, it will not be so easy to get enough of it. Therefore, after finding out whether it is possible to eat honey in the post, you should not take it as the main product. Rather, as a pleasant addition to tea or dessert.
Among the goodies allowed during fasting are plenty of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, as a dessert, you can, for example, bake pears with honey and nuts. To do this, take fairly dense fruits (2-3 pieces), wash them and peel them. Then a handful of any nuts is crushed (they can be replaced with oatmeal or other cereal). Pears are cut in half, removed from the middle and slightly sprinkled with lemon juice. Nuts are placed inside, a teaspoon of honey and sent to a non-hot oven for 25-30 minutes, pouring a little water on the bottom of the pan.
Of course, such a dessert can be made not only during fasting, but also on any other day. And honey is quite replaceable with regular sugar. But at a time when most of the goodies are taboo, this dessert will seem like a masterpiece. And with honey, it will be especially tasty and aromatic.
Bakery products
When returning to the question of whether it is possible to fast honey in a post, the answer to it appears by itself, if you study the ancient recipes traditional for this period of baking. In Russia, all sorts of gingerbread, cakes and muffins were popular. Most of them were rich, but there are recipes that housewives used during fasting. For example, baked apple pies with honey.
For a half glass of flour, take half a glass of vegetable oil and 3 large apples. Still need 150 grams of honey, a little cinnamon and a tablespoon of water, 0.5 teaspoon of soda.
Apples peel and remove seeds. 2 cut into thin slices, 1 - tinder on a grater. Honey is added to it, leaving 2 tablespoons, oil, water, soda and flour. It turns out quite a liquid substance. The cut apples are laid out in a greased form, sprinkled with cinnamon on top, pour over the remaining honey, and then spread the dough. Sent in the oven for 40 minutes to bake at 200 degrees. In Russia, on holidays during fasting, apple pies were necessarily baked in order to somehow brighten up the severity and uniformity.
It turns out that the answer to the question of whether it is possible to eat honey in fasting is positive both from the point of view of believers, and according to nutritionists, and based on historical facts. Therefore, do not deny yourself this little joy.