How to Buy the Best Baklava

Your Guide to buying the best Baklava

Overview

Baklava is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with layers of phyllo dough, filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. Buying baklava can be a daunting task given the wide variety of types and ingredients available. This guide will help you to find the best quality baklava that is flavorful and full of sweetness and crunch. From selecting the best ingredients and flavors to understanding the different types of baklava available, this buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase.

Key features

  1. Type of Baklava - Different types of baklava are available, such as walnut, pistachio, almond, or other variations. Consider which type of baklava you would like before making a purchase.
  2. Number of Pieces - Baklava is typically sold in a variety of sizes, from individual pieces to large pans. Consider the size of the purchase you would like to make.
  3. Connectedness of Pieces - Baklava can be purchased as individual pieces or as one large piece that can be cut into individual pieces. Consider which way you would prefer purchasing baklava.
  4. Freshness - Baklava should be fresh and without a strong odor of any kind. Check the package and expiration date before purchasing baklava.
  5. Ingredients - Check the ingredients list to ensure the baklava does not contain any ingredients you may be allergic to.
  6. Price - Baklava can range in price depending on the number of pieces, size, and type of ingredients. Consider the price you are willing to pay for the baklava.

See the most popular Baklava on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Unique Flavor: Baklava has a signature flavor that is unique and enjoyable to those who have a taste for it.
  • Long Shelf Life: Baklava has a lengthy shelf life and can be stored for many weeks without spoiling.
  • Convenient Portion Size: Baklava comes in convenient individual portions, making it easy to serve and enjoy.
  • Health Benefits: Baklava is rich in healthy fats and low in sugar, making it a healthier choice than many other desserts.

Cons

  • Expensive - Baklava is usually more expensive than other desserts.
  • High Calorie Count - Baklava is higher in calories than other desserts and is often made with lots of sugar and fat.
  • Messy to Eat - Baklava can be difficult to eat as it is often sticky and can easily crumble or fall apart.
  • Difficult to Make - Baklava is often time consuming and difficult to make, requiring patience and skill to make correctly.

Best alternatives

  1. Kunefe - Made with shredded phyllo dough, melted butter, salty cheese, and flavored syrup.
  2. Kataifi - Pastry made of finely-chopped filo dough and flavored with nuts and sweet syrup.
  3. Loukoumades - Doughnut-like pastry fried in oil and soaked in honey syrup.
  4. Galaktoboureko - Semolina custard in phyllo pastry and soaked in a sweet syrup.
  5. Kadayif - A Turkish dessert made from shredded dough cooked in butter and topped with a syrup.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Filo dough - A thin pastry dough used to make Baklava
  • Ground nuts - Commonly pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, ground for a fine consistency to be mixed into the pastry
  • Syrup - A sweet mixture typically made of sugar, water, and other flavorings such as honey, lemon, and/or cinnamon
  • Butter - Used to coat the filo dough layers
  • Baking dish - A shallow dish used for baking the Baklava
  • Knife - Used to cut the Baklava into desired shapes
  • Spatula - Used to spread the nut mixture between the filo dough layers

Common questions

  1. What type of Baklava should I buy?

    It depends on personal preference, but some popular varieties include classic baklava with honey syrup, rose-scented baklava, and nut-filled baklava.

  2. How do I know when Baklava is fresh?

    Fresh baklava should be golden and crisp. It should not be soggy or stale.

  3. What is the best way to store Baklava?

    Baklava should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

  4. How long will Baklava last?

    If stored properly, baklava can last up to 2 weeks.

  5. Can I freeze Baklava?

    Yes, baklava can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Trivia

Legend has it that baklava was invented in Istanbul in the 15th century by the chefs at the Ottoman Palace. They created the sweet pastry to honor the Sultan who could not be bothered to make up his mind on what he wanted to eat. As such, the chefs combined all his favorite ingredients - nuts, sugar, honey and dough - into one delicious dish. This story has been passed down through generations in Turkey, and the pastry has become a beloved sweet treat all over the world. Source.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.