Kosereva
Kosereva is a traditional Paraguayan preserved dessert made from sour orange (apepú) peel cooked in cane syrup (miel de caña) until tender and glossy. It is often served with cheese and has a bittersweet, slightly tangy flavor.
Equipment
- Glass jars
Ingredients
- 700 g sour orange peel (also known as apepú)
- 400 ml cane syrup (miel de caña)
- 200 g light brown sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 whole cloves or small cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- water , as needed
Instructions
- Wash the sour oranges thoroughly. Peel them, removing the outer colored zest and the inner pulp. Keep only the thick white pith, as this is the part used for Kosereva.
- Cut the pith into segments (casquitos), making sure no pulp remains. Place the segments in a pot, cover with plenty of water, and bring to a boil.
- Boil the peels, then discard the water. Repeat this process 4-7 times, always starting with fresh, cold water; this removes the bitterness.
- After the final boil, place the peels in a bowl, cover completely with water, and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Let them rest for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse the peels well with clean water to remove the baking soda.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the cane syrup (miel de caña), sugar, cinnamon, and cloves (if using) with 250 ml of water.
- Heat the mixture until the sugar begins to dissolve and the syrup starts to simmer. Add the prepared peels to the syrup; if desired, roll them into small spirals and secure each one with half a wooden toothpick.
- Cook over medium-low heat until the syrup thickens and the peels become glossy and translucent, about 1 hour. Remove from heat and let cool, then transfer to sterilized glass jars.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Not recommended.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Kosereva
Amount per Serving
Calories
321
% Daily Value*
Fat
0.2
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
0.02
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.04
g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.03
g
Sodium
146
mg
6
%
Potassium
233
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
89
g
30
%
Fiber
9
g
38
%
Sugar
67
g
74
%
Protein
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
368
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
119
mg
144
%
Calcium
162
mg
16
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
