Bitter Orange Spoon Sweet (Nerantzi)

A fragrant taste of tradition in every bite

Nerantzi, the bitter orange, has been turned into a beloved spoon sweet by Cretan home cooks for generations. Even today, it's a favourite treat served on small plates to guests — many say it’s the most welcome gesture in any household.

Ingredients:

10 medium bitter oranges
1 kilo of sugar
2 glasses of water
Juice of half a lemon

Method:

Wash the bitter oranges thoroughly, pat them dry and grate the outer skin with a fine grater. Slice the peels into 4–6 pieces each and roll them up like little spirals.

Thread the rolled peels onto a string and boil them twice: the first time for 5 minutes, the second for 10 minutes.

Then place the peels in a mosora (large bowl) with water and leave them to soak for 15–16 hours, changing the water 4–5 times — this step removes their bitterness.

In a pot, bring the sugar and water to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the string from the peels and add them to the syrup. Simmer for another 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them sit in the syrup overnight.

The next day, boil again for around 15 minutes to thicken the syrup. Just before turning off the heat, add the lemon juice.

To test if the syrup is ready, use this traditional trick: place a drop of syrup onto a plate. If it holds its shape without spreading, it’s done.

Transfer the sweet into sterilised jars, seal them, turn upside down until they cool, and store in the fridge or pantry.

By Lena Igoumenaki
President of the Cretan Cuisine Festival Association