Intensely flavorful and almost exotic, few things bring to mind Greek tradition like the delectable “spoon sweet”. This ancient Greek delicacy was born as a method of preserving the intensely flavorful fruits that only Greece can produce.
We were thrilled to partner with Idiston (EE thee stahn) to bring you this wonderful bit of Greece. Idiston uses simple time perfected methods and each fruit in their line is specifically sourced from the particular area in Greece that is best known for growing it.
Pergamonto (Bergamot)
Arguably one of the most exotic, enticing and delicious Greek citrus varieties, bergamot, or pergamonto in Greek, makes for a much beloved spoon sweet. Anyone who’s ever had a cup of Earl Grey tea will recognize the subtle flavor of bergamot, the rind of which is so rich in essential oils it is used to flavor one of the world’s great teas.
Idiston’s bergamot fruit is sourced from just a couple of farmers who cultivate it exclusively for them, in the northwestern Peloponnese, specifically around Pyrgo, near the ancient site of Olympia (where the ancient Olympic games were held) and near Aigio, close to the northern coast of the region.
The rind, which is what is used to make the spoon sweet, is at once delicate and overpowering, so much so that farm workers wear masks when harvesting. “Even our clothing ends up perfumed with bergamot when we make this spoon sweet,” says Idiston’s co-founder Anastasia.
Ingredients: Bergamot, sugar, lemon juice
Nutritional Information (per US tablespoon)
Calories: 33
Fat: 0g
Sugar/Carbs: 12g
Protein: 0.05g
Salt: 0mg
How to Enjoy
Traditionally in Greece, spoon sweets were served by the spoonful in a small dish with a side of coffee or tea and cold water—hence the name "spoon sweet". Beyond tradition, spoon sweets are a tremendously versatile confection. They make wonderful toppings for Greek yogurt, ice cream, or baked goods like cakes or cheesecake. As a breakfast treat, mix in with hot cereals like oatmeal, spread over toast, or use as topping on pancakes, waffles and French toast. The intense, complex flavors are also a perfect pairing with your favorite cheese.
- Reviews
- Questions
United StatesPlesant taste
I enjoyed the taste of the Bergamot and will purchase again but I modified it in my food processor to make it more of a jelly to enjoy with my pumpernickel toast.
United StatesBeneficial Bergamot?
Recently read how bergamot is helpful with high cholesterol (cannot verify the claim) and decided to try this spoon sweet (I'm fully aware that this product might not be the best delivery system for bergamot's benefits but was too curious not to try it). Very interesting and intense flavor which I quickly came to enjoy.
United StatesLove it! Light, but substantive.
My daughter adds a bit of this to a martini. Not terribly Greek, perhaps, but a truly interesting beverage.
United StatesBergamot Spoon Sweet - It’s Addictive!
I wrote a dissertation on this product, but I’ll try to condense my thoughts. Despite my pretty sophisticated culinary background, my only knowledge of bergamot has been Earl Grey tea. When I saw your web site, I had to order this “Bergamot Spoon Sweet”. It is divine! I have used it as a condiment with chicken, on toast, as a topping on fresh ricotta, and simply by the spoonful each time I pass the refrigerator. I love it. And, Diane, I love your cooking shows. Your shows and those of Jacques Pepin are the only real cooking shows! I salivate when I watch you create those divine Greek dishes.