Kadma

Several sugar/jaggery-based traditional Indian confectioneries are prepared at small/cottage scales and in domestic kitchens. Kadma is a traditional sweet of the Indian sub-continent that is made from sucrose (cane sugar). It is a ready-to-eat white candy popular in Eastern India and Bangladesh (Figure 1.5.1). Another name of kadma is kodma, and has a long shelf-life of 1 year or more if appropriately protected from moisture ingression. The prepared kadmas are nearly cylindrical shape with flattened closed surfaces at both ends resembling the orange shape.

Bright white colour and ridges on external surfaces are attractive features of kadma in addition to the low price. However, moisture absorption leading to a soggy surface and melting in humid weather are drawbacks of prepared kadma during storage.