Варенье – вкус традиции

Slatko is a fruit preserve popular in Serbia, and Balkan countries, that consists of distinguishable, usually whole pieces of fruit mixed in a very thick syrup. Various fruits could be used in slatko preparations such as figs, grapes, quinces, plums, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, almost every fruit you can think of. Thick sugary syrups are often flavored with lemon, vanilla, or cinnamon.

Serbian slatko is literally translated as sweet. Slatko is a traditional sign of hospitality that the host traditionally offers as a warm welcome to his/her guests. The best way to serve slatko is in small glass bowls and traditionally the guest takes and enjoys only a spoonful of the preserve – To make his life sweeter. 😊Some of the honored guests could be offered twice, although any guest can ask for another taste, to honor the housekeeper. For the second taste it’s a custom to use another spoon. To ask for the third time, if not offered, is regarded as an improper behavior, although usually granted.

slatko, apricots, serbian food, serbian tradition

The tradition of slatko

A glass of water usually follows a glass bowl of slatko and is typically served with coffee and our famous rakija (plum brandy if I may - read an article here ). Slatko is very close to Greek spoon sweets, and very similar to preserves can also be found in Bulgaria. This tasteful treat is custom in Bosnia, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. In Dalmatia, you can find very “unusual” slatko from olives. Wherever you travel through this region, you can find the warm host, who will offer you a spoonful of slatko and a glass of rakija as welcoming.

 

 

 

Author: Seoske Cari

Rakija, Serbian tradition, Serbian food

Slatko preparation

For the preparation of slatko it usually to have the following ingredients:

  • Desired fruit you want to use for slatko. Let’s think about the apricot, I like slatko from the apricot the most.
  • The same ratio of sugar or even 20% more of sugar
  • Lemon
  • Citric acid
  • Sodium bicarbonate

The process of preparation is quite easy. You should clean the apricots, peel them off, got their seed out, and put them in the big vessel. The apricots should be cut in half and the water should be poured all over them. Add the citric acid, and sodium bicarbonate. Stir it with your hands and leave it like that for 15 minutes. The apricots should be drained from water, not whipped out, and placed like this in the vessel with water and sugar.  Cook the apricots for 15 minutes, while cutting the foam that appears. Afterwards you should pour the slatko in the jars and leave it like that. If you want to check if its prepared like it should be, cut the surface of slatko with the spoon, if the crease is persistent and stable, your slatko is good to be packed.

 

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