How did Belev pastila arrive in Tashkent?

The taste of the apple baked into Belev pastila comes through clearly: the sweetness does not hide it under a thick glaze, nor is it overwhelmed by a sharp aroma. The classic recipe is based on apple puree and egg white. For the fruit varieties, lingonberry, cranberry, blackcurrant or blueberry are added to them. The result is an airy dessert with a slightly elastic texture and a noticeable tart taste — it goes especially well with hot tea.

A 19th-century oven and today's production

Belev is a small town in Tula Oblast where apple pastila has long become an integral part of local history. The manufactory has preserved hand labor and technology dating back to the 19th century. Apples are baked, turned into puree, whipped with egg white and then dried in layers. At one of the production sites, a Russian stove built in the 19th century is used for this.

However, behind this modest setting stands a significant industrial scale. The group unites five production sites and processes 20–25 tons of apples every day. Such an organization makes it possible to produce classic pastila, fruit versions, and desserts without added sugar. For Uzbekistan, the classic "Fruit Assorti" and the sugar-free cranberry pastila in 50-gram packaging were selected in particular.

The composition of the products is short and clear: apples, blackcurrant, lingonberry, cranberry, blueberry and egg white. No artificial colors, flavorings or preservatives are used. The sweetness of the fruit and berries is preserved in the product itself, while the distinctive taste is defined by green apples — they are dense, tart and withstand baking well.

The pastila is cut into thin slices, but its layering is not just for beauty. Thin layers are necessary for the apple mass to dry evenly and retain its softness. A small box contains several notes of one recipe — a convenient format both for a first acquaintance and for a treat to serve at the table.

Buying on the way or ordering for the evening

In Uzbekistan, Belev pastila can be found in Organic Food and Fix Price stores, and can also be ordered via delivery through Uzum. That means you don't have to wait for a special trip or a rare exhibition to get acquainted with it. Some shoppers come across the pastila during ordinary shopping trips, while others add it to an online order and try it at home.