WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT GLYKO?
Slowly boiled in a thick sugar syrup, ‘glyko’, also known as ‘spoon sweets’, is a unique Cypriot dessert that has been developed through the ages across the island. This classic symbol of the island’s hospitality, forms a traditional preserve that is made from fruit, vegetables, or nuts, which are then typically served on a small spoon alongside a refreshing glass of ice-cold water. In light of this, this delicate sweet delight has graced Cypriot tables for centuries.
POPULAR VARIETIES OF CYPRUS GLYKO
Cypriot hosts usualy offer a single spoonful of the sweet delight on a small dish to welcome visitors into their homes. The heavy sugar syrups are frequently infused with lemon juice, cloves, cinnamon sticks, or scented geranium leaves. The most common versions of this delicacy include oranges, grapefruits, bergamot, cherries, watermelon, and figs. Other versions include various nuts and vegetables. these include walnuts, eggplants, carrots and even garlic!
Walnut (Karydaki): Offering a unique, firm yet spongy bite, glyko karidaki is made from whole, unripe green walnuts that are harvested before the shell hardens,
Watermelon (Karpouzi): A zero-waste treat crafted from crisp watermelon rinds cut into shapes and simmered until translucent.
Cherry (Kerazi): A traditional Mediterranean preserve featuring firm, ripe cherries poached in a glossy, thick sugar syrup.
Apricot (Verikoko): A highly prized spoon sweet that uses apricots as its main ingredient. Traditional recipes use a brief soak in a firming solution that uses pickling lime or baking soda to preserve the fruit’s texture.
Bitter Orange (Kitromilo): Widely considered the king of spoon sweets because raw bitter oranges are intensely sour and astringent, making this preserve a multi-day labour of love.
A REFRESHING DESSERT
The word ‘Glyko’ translates to ‘sweet’ in Greek, and it describes the age-old traditional sweet preserve perfectly. Often described as a versatile Cypriot spoon sweet, it is made from various fruits, nuts, and vegetables that are all cooked and then preserved using syrup. The Cypriot dessert of choice is often served in traditional coffee shops and restaurants across the island. Most Cypriot households also offer a homemade version to almost all guests or visitors. Available all year round, most enjoy it on its own with a Cyprus coffee or ice-cold water. It is also used to enhance creamy Greek yoghurt or ice cream.
MAKING GLYKO
Although the process of actually making the spoon sweet is relatively easy, its method of preparation remains crucial. Its process of creation is similar to that of CYPRUS MARMALADE. The main ingredient in this case, however, remains whole. Pickling lime, dissolved in water, is used to make the main ingredient crunchier. The main ingredient is then left to rest for at least two hours after being thoroughly soaked in this solution. It is then thoroughly washed and added to a sugar and water syrup solution. The whole mixture is then left to simmer for several hours to form a preserve. The addition of lemon juice stops the sugar in the solution from crystallising and ensures that the main ingredient maintains its original colour. Additional spices such as cinnamon or cloves are often added to some of these preserves to enhance flavours.
FRUIT, NUT OR VEGETABLE
Today, there is a wide variety of spoon sweets available. Each has its own characteristics and unique taste. Some of the most popular versions include the rind of some fruits and vegetables or nuts that include the shell. The idea behind this was to use every part of the main ingredient, leaving nothing to waste. Today, popular versions of Glyko come in the form of bitter orange, fig, lemon, watermelon, walnut and cherry.
A HOMEMADE FAVOURITE
Traditionally kept in jars much like jam, homemade Glyko uses recipes passed down through generations. This often makes this Cypriot delicacy unique and quite special. Cypriot culture dictates that homemade jars of Glyko make for popular gifts for friends and family to enjoy. Homemade jars of Glyko are also symbolic of Cypriot generosity and hospitality. The unique spoon sweet is also often served during special occasions and celebrations, and it is not uncommon for it to be served at weddings, baptisms, and religious holidays.
