Who Should Avoid Eating Fernee? + Fernee’s Nature and Effects

Fereni is a light and delicious dish made from easily accessible ingredients such as rice flour or wheat flour, sugar, milk, rosewater, and more. This popular dessert is often prepared on special occasions, especially during Ramadan, for iftar and suhoor meals. For a detailed step-by-step guide on making it, see “From A to Z: How to Make Fereni with Rice Flour.”

The Nature of Fereni in Traditional Medicine

Fereni can be made with various types of flour (rice flour, wheat flour, corn flour, or starch), milk or water, and sugar. According to traditional medicine:

• Fereni made with milk, sugar, and rice flour has a cold temperament.

• Fereni made with wheat flour has a warm and moist temperament.

• Fereni made with starch has a cold and dry temperament.

To balance the temperament toward warmth, natural sweeteners such as honey, syrup, or rock candy can be used instead of sugar, and nuts and saffron can be added for extra benefits.

Who Should Avoid Fereni?

• Fereni made with wheat flour and nuts is harmful to people with celiac disease.

• Fereni made with milk is not suitable for those with animal protein allergies.

• Fereni made with rice flour should be avoided by people sensitive to rice or its derivatives.

• Saffron fereni is not recommended for pregnant women or new mothers.

• Excessive consumption of fereni without considering its balancing ingredients is unsuitable for people with a cold temperament.

Who Can Benefit from Fereni?

• Fereni has a soft and smooth texture and is easy to digest, making it beneficial for people with weak stomachs.

• It is a good option for iftar during fasting, as it helps raise blood sugar levels and is a light meal.

• Starch-based fereni is ideal for athletes and bodybuilders since its carbohydrates are quickly digested, supporting muscle growth.

• People who want to gain or maintain weight can enjoy fereni as a dessert after meals.

• Eating rice flour or starch-based fereni in the morning may help with facial fullness.

• Fereni supports infant weight gain and bone growth.

• It is suitable for children with weak teeth, chewing difficulties, or swallowing problems.

• Fereni neutralizes stomach acid, making it beneficial for people with gastrointestinal ulcers.

• Pregnant women can benefit from fereni as it supports fetal weight gain and bone development while easing heartburn.

• Fereni soothes the throat and relieves coughs, making it helpful for those with colds.