In a book called “Eating in Eden: The Nutritional Superiority of Primitive Foods”, I read about how different cultures such as Georgia would make natural candy without the use of refined sugars. It was so intriguing that the candy also provided health benefits, I just had to create a recipe!

In Georgia, this delightful sweet is called “Churchkhela”, a beloved confection that combines the natural sweetness of grapes with the wholesome goodness of walnuts. Known as “Georgian Snickers”, it’s enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures. 

Churchkhela has its origins in Georgia, a country nestled in the Caucasus region of Eurasia known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant cuisine. Traditionally made during the grape harvest season in Autumn, Churchkhela is believed to have been invented centuries ago as a portable snack for travelers and laborers working in the vineyards. The name itself means “sausage” or “string” in Georgian. This describes its appearance, which is made by threading walnuts onto a string or skewer and dipping them repeatedly into a thickened mixture of grape juice and flour. Once coated, the candy is left to dry, resulting in a chewy, sweet treat that’s perfect for satisfying cravings on the go.

It’s typically made during the grape harvest season in the autumn months, particularly in September and October. This is the peak time for the ripest grapes, providing the freshest juice for the candy-making process.  The making of Churchkhela is often a communal activity, with families and friends coming together to prepare large batches of candy. It’s not uncommon to see groups of people gathered around tables, stringing walnuts onto skewers and dipping them into vats of grape juice mixture, sharing stories and laughter as they work. 

While Georgian Churchkhela is the most well-known variation of this traditional candy, similar versions can be found in other countries around the world.

1. Armenia/Turkish Churchkhela – in Armenia and Turkey, a similar candy known as “Sujuk” or “Soutzoukos” is made using a mixture of grape juice, flour, and varous nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios. This candy is typically shaped into long ropes and coated with a layer of powdered sugar. 

2. Greek Sousamokouloura – in Greece, this candy is made by dipping sesame seeds into a mixture of grape molasses and flour. The resulting candy is crunchy and sweet, with a nutty flavor from the sesame seeds.

To preserve the freshness and flavor of Georgian Churchkhela, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be kept for several weeks and make a delicious snack or dessert for any occasion. 

Let me know in the comments below if you tried the recipe and if you have any variations you’d like to share!