Petha


Petha is a translucent soft candy from Agra. Usually rectangular or cylindrical, it is made from the ash gourd vegetable.
With growing demand and innovation, more varieties of the original preparation are available. Many flavoured variants are available, e.g. kesar petha, angoori petha etc. There are some other variations based on content, one with coconut mixed, another with some nuts put into it. Sometimes kewda essence is used to flavour petha.

History

The Petha is said to have originated in the kitchens of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
Petha manufactured in Agra is covered by a geographical indication label to certify its origin. It is made from ash gourd and sugar.