National Koeksister Day

Young woman holding a plate of koeksisters, wearing a colorful apron, South African-inspired fashion, sunny outdoor garden setting.. — National koeksister day illustration

Are you ready to indulge in a sweet and sticky treat? Well, get your taste buds ready, because it's National Koeksister Day!

When is Koeksister Day?

It's national koeksister day on the 12th June.

The Sweet Origins of Koeksisters

If you're not familiar with koeksisters, let us enlighten you. Koeksisters are a traditional South African dessert that consist of fried dough that's dipped in a sticky and syrupy sauce. They are absolutely delicious! The history of Koeksister Day is a bit of a mystery, but one thing is for sure – this delectable treat has been enjoyed by generations.

Legend has it that koeksisters were introduced to South Africa by the Dutch settlers in the 17th century. The name 'koeksister' comes from the Dutch word 'koekje', which means 'cookie'. However, koeksisters are far from being cookies. These treats are more like braided doughnuts soaked in syrup.

Celebrating Koeksister Day in Style

On National Koeksister Day, people all over South Africa gather together to celebrate this sweet delight. Some folks make their own koeksisters at home, following secret family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Others head to their local bakery or sweet shop to satisfy their craving. No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure you have plenty of napkins on hand, because things might get a little sticky!

History behind the term 'Koeksister'

1600

Dutch Influence

During the 17th century, the Dutch colonized the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Their presence brought various aspects of Dutch culture, including culinary traditions. One of these traditions was the preparation of a sweet, twisted pastry known as a koeksister. The word 'koeksister' is derived from the Dutch word 'koekje' which means a small sweet cake or biscuit.

1900

Cultural Adaptation

As time went by, the koeksister became an integral part of South African culinary heritage. The recipe was adapted and evolved to suit local tastes and available ingredients. The dough was often sweetened with syrup and spiced with cinnamon or ginger. The pastry was then deep-fried until golden brown, giving it a crisp outer layer while remaining soft and moist on the inside.

1949

Distinctive Shape

The koeksister gained further popularity and recognition in 1949 when a Cape Malay woman named Amina Abdulla developed a distinctive twisted shape for the pastry. This shape became the hallmark of a traditional koeksister. The twisted strands of dough create more surface area, allowing the syrup to penetrate every layer, intensifying the sweetness and flavor.

1995

National Koeksister Day

Recognizing the cultural significance and love for koeksisters in South Africa, National Koeksister Day was established in 1995. Celebrated on September 1st every year, this day provides an opportunity for people to indulge in the delectable treat and honor the culinary heritage of the country.