A Sweet Taste of Malta Imqaret

Words by Terrence Mifsud

Because of its strategic location at the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta has long been admired and sought-after. The Island has been occupied throughout many centuries by a number of different empires, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, and British. Some of whom engaged in bloody combat to seize this vital island for its coveted location.

Imqaret are one of the many Arab cultural relics that remained in Malta after their departure. Dates, citrus, and spices wrapped in dough, fried in oil, and served. A personal favourite for many locals that is so simple to prepare yet so delicious. Imqaret is also a great treat for the festive

season.

The Island has been home to many different nationalities and cultures over the years, and they have brought with them a wide variety of traditions and food. Date Pie, also known as Torta tat-Tamal, is another traditional Maltese dessert that uses dates. Marzipan-filled dates, known as Tamal Mimli, are another classic favourite.

This particular Maltese cuisine hints at its Arab or Phoenician heritage. Between 870 AD through the 11th century, the Arabs invaded Malta. Bigilla, honey rings, marrows, stuffed peppers, ice cream and a long list of other dishes have their origins among Malta’s Arab neighbours. Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco all produce a comparable confection similar to imqaret. Across the sea in Tunisia, a similar treat known as makroudh (or makroud) is also widely consumed, while in Algeria and Morocco makrout are eaten.

When being prepared, the traditional Maltese dessert is deep-fried and typically flavor-infused with anise and bay leaf. Individual maqrut (singular form of imqaret) is made by folding the pastry, which has a portion of filling in the centre. The length of the pastry allows for numerous imqaret pieces to be cut from each one. Before being deep fried, these pastries are typically sliced into diamond shapes, albeit they are now more commonly shaped into rectangles. Interestingly, the Maltese name for the delicacy was derived from a similar Arabic word which translates to "diamond".

You may experience imqaret in a variety of cafés and eateries as well as from the countless street vendors who set up shop along the sides of the roads all year long and at local festas and events during the summer.

And what’s so great about imqaret is that they are incredibly diverse. They go well with a cup of tea or coffee for elevenses, can be eaten as a hot snack on-the-go, or are provided as a dessert with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream in restaurants. So, take this as your calling, from the OhMyMalta team, to try out this national delicacy and relish in its unforgettable taste and flavour!

Frisco Disco Credit: Andrew Mercieca

ĠNIEN VICTOR CALVAGNA

A playground, an outdoor gym, a fitness trail,

a vegetable plot and a relaxation area have all

been integrated seamlessly in a clever way to

enhance the social dimension, urban vitality and

environmental sustainability.

GreenServ inaugurated its first urban greening project in Mosta less than a year since it first announced the project. A dilapidated land spanning almost 4,000 square metres that was previously inaccessible has now been transformed into a vibrant and green public space.

Today, this garden accommodates a diversity of activities providing interest and amenity for residents. A playground, an outdoor gym, a fitness trail, a vegetable plot and a relaxation area have all been integrated seamlessly in a clever way. Indeed, social dimension, urban vitality and environmental sustainability were at the core of the design

process.

The design of the garden revolved around the mature olive trees that were already there. This led to winding pathways dotted with benches intently placed under the blissful shade of the trees to provide a break from the heat. A natural material was chosen for the pathways that will, through time, blend with the soil without causing any damage to vegetation and yet blend further with the surroundings.

The playground and fitness equipment is made of timber that originates from sustainable forests while the rubber flooring used in the play area is made from fully recycled rubber chips. Solar panels were also installed on the canopy area that has been finished with recyclable decking.

This is a garden that seeks to create and strengthen social connections. While encouraging active exercise and play, it is also a place where one can rest, read a book and enjoy a conversation. The canopy area will encourage learning in a different setting away from classrooms and halls while lending itself to different community activities. A vegetable plot intended to encourage communal gardening activities will also provide opportunities for people to learn whilst promoting healthier lifestyles.

Named after the revered paediatric oncologist Dr. Victor Calvagna, who lost his life in a tragic road accident, this garden is meant to honour the founding member, President and driving force behind one of Malta’s most active charitable institutions, the Puttinu Cares Foundation.

Ġnien Victor Calvagna will certainly have an influence over the social dimension as it seeks to generate a positive use of the space by shaping community ties, and stimulating interaction between people and the environment. It is meant to provide a green space that residents could enjoy in close proximity to their homes. A Little Crush