Is it possible to post a honey: different opinions, traditions and recipes.

Posts and other types of abstinence are an integral part of Orthodox culture and religion. And although not every believer adheres to their strictness, many try as best as they can. The longest in time, the Great Lent, preceding the Feast of Passover, lasts almost a month and a half. Throughout this time, believers seek not to eat animal products, limit themselves to other earthly joys and remain in prayer.

Allowed sweets

Most Orthodox, trying to adhere to all the customs of faith, can not understand whether it is possible to post honey in the fast. On the one hand, it is not among the banned products. On the other hand, it is still of animal origin, because it is produced by bees. In addition, honey is a sweet, and therefore, a certain excess.

Everyone understands that during the fasting they do not eat cakes and cakes, buns and chocolate because of the presence of milk, butter, eggs and other fast foods in their composition. On the other hand, sugar is quite acceptable. Many housewives even adapted themselves to cook lenten pies, cookies and gingerbread. After all, to live without sweets for a long time is very difficult, especially for children. And honey is used in fasting in many monasteries, so that the usual parishioners on this occasion do not have to worry.

A bit of history

In Christianity, at all times, honey was considered pleasing to God. In many monasteries there are own apiaries, Orthodox even have saints - patrons of beekeeping. We are talking about Zosima and Savvaty, who founded Solovetsky monastery.

Even in times of strict observance of Christian traditions in Russia, it was believed that one can post honey in the fast . There are several confirmations to this fact. Firstly, there are many recipes for the fast dishes, in which he entered. This and sweet porridge, and baked fruit (pears, apples), and drinks. Secondly, the most strict Assumption fast, starting on August 14 and lasting 2 weeks, is associated with honey. On his first day, called the Honey Savior, it is customary to consecrate this sweetness in the temples, and then take care of it all year and use it on holidays or at times of illness.

The indigent in Russia was made to sacrifice, including honey, because it was believed that this is a gift of God, which must be shared. Known for his modesty and asceticism, the Baptist John was very unpretentious in food. He fasted throughout the year and did not eat animal food. From delicacies in his diet was only wild honey. This is one of the reasons for its use by Christians without restrictions.

Opinion of nutritionists

The benefits of fasting in recent years are not only spoken by believers and clergymen, but also by physicians. Any organism needs to be unloaded and cleaned. But this does not mean that the diet during the fasting period should be meager and monotonous. If the body does not receive all the necessary vitamins and trace elements for a long time, it can do harm. Natural honey contains them in large quantities. So doctors here in their opinion are absolutely unanimous. And if they ask whether it is possible to post honey in the post, then gastroenterologists, nutritionists, and other specialists will answer that it is even necessary. This is especially true on the eve of Easter, when there are still few fresh vegetables and greens, and last year's almost no vitamins. Honey in this case will be just a salvation.

Recipes of Lenten Sweets

To slightly diversify the diet, even during the ban of culinary excesses, experienced housewives manage to surprise their loved ones with all sorts of goodies. Sure, honey is good in itself. But, firstly, too much of it will not work. And, secondly, it will not be so easy to get enough of it. Therefore, having ascertained, whether it is possible to post honey in a post, it is not necessary to perceive it as the main product. Rather, as a pleasant addition to tea or dessert.

Among the solutions allowed during the fasting are an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, as a dessert, you can, for example, bake pears with honey and nuts. To do this, take a fairly dense fruit (2-3 pieces), wash them and peel them. Then grind a handful of any nuts (they can be replaced with oatmeal or other flakes). Pears are cut in half, taken out of the middle and lightly sprinkled with lemon juice. Inside put nuts, a teaspoon of honey and sent to a non-flammable oven for 25-30 minutes, pouring a small amount of water into the bottom.

Of course, such a dessert can be made not only during fasting, but also on any other day. And honey can be replaced with ordinary sugar. But at a time when most of the goodies are taboo, this dessert will seem just a masterpiece. And with honey it will be especially tasty and fragrant.

Bakery products

When returning to the question of whether it is possible to post honey, the answer to it appears by itself, if we study the ancient recipes traditional for this period of baking. In Russia were all kinds of gingerbread, cakes and goats. Most of them were rich, but there are recipes that housewives used during the fast. For example, baked apple pies with honey.

Half a glass of vegetable oil and 3 large apples take half a cup of flour. Still need 150 grams of honey, a little cinnamon and a tablespoon of water, 0.5 teaspoons of soda.

Apples are cleaned and seeds removed. 2 cut into thin slices, 1 - tinder on a grater. Honey is added to it, leaving 2 spoons, butter, water, soda and flour. It turns out quite a liquid substance. Cut the apples in a greased form, sprinkle with cinnamon, pour the remaining honey, and then spread the dough. It is sent to the oven for 40 minutes to bake at 200 degrees. In Russia on holidays during the fasting necessarily baked apple pies to somehow brighten up the severity and monotony.

It turns out that the answer to the question of whether there is a honey in the post is positive from the point of view of believers, and in the opinion of nutritionists, and based on historical facts. So do not deny yourself this little joy.