'Omani Halwa' all set to become famous in the world?

Muscat: The Director General of the Sultanate of Oman's Food Safety and Quality Centre (FSQC) Dr. Hussein bin Sameh Al-Masrouri, revealed that the centre has adopted a project to study the 'Omani Halwa' to identify the ideal specifications for them and align them with international standards, especially the European standards, which are the main reference in this regard.

During his exclusive interview with “Al-Shabiba” radio, through the “Ma’a Al-Shabiba” show, Al-Masrouri said that the reference for the specifications and standards adopted by FSQC depends on the specifications and standards agreed upon among GCC countries. “There are also specifications for authentic Omani products, such as Omani Halwa, Omani honey and other local products, which have their own specifications and standards for the Sultanate of Oman,” he added.

The Omani Halwa industry is considered one of the traditional industries and inherited crafts that are passed on to children from parents and for which Oman is famous. It began more than a hundred years ago and is still continuing till today.

Many ingredients are used in manufacturing the Omani Halwa, such as Omani rose water, red sugar, and Omani starch. These ingredients are mixed and stirred continuously over the fire for two or three hours in a copper pot that is made specially for this purpose, after which clarified butter, cardamom, saffron and nuts are poured over the mixture.