The cuberdon is a pointed purple sugar-gum cone in violet-raspberry syrup, produced in East Flanders: firm on the outside, liquid at the core, and sold from competing stalls on the Groentenmarkt since the 19th century.

The cuberdon was developed by a Ghent apothecary in the early 1800s as a sugar-and-gum pastille. The violet flavour and pointed cone shape became the Ghent standard. The stalls near the Groentenmarkt are famously competitive; the two main vendors have a standing rivalry for the best recipe that Ghent locals follow closely. The sweet is often called 'Gentse neuzen' (Ghent noses) for the shape of the cone. Bobonne Cuberdon in the old town is the principal artisan producer.

Where to eat Cuberdon (Gentse Neuzen) in Ghent

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Make it at home

Serves 3024 hrIntermediate

Ingredients

  • 400g caster sugar
  • 20g liquid glucose
  • 150ml water
  • 10g gum arabic powder
  • Purple food colouring
  • Violet or raspberry extract (5ml)
  • Cuberdon moulds (plastic or silicone pointed cones)

Method

  1. Dissolve sugar, glucose and gum arabic in water over medium heat. Do not stir once dissolved.
  2. Boil to 135C (firm ball stage). Remove from heat and allow to cool to 100C.
  3. Add food colouring and violet extract. Stir gently.
  4. Pour carefully into the pointed cuberdon moulds. Leave undisturbed for 12 hours.
  5. The outside will set hard as it cools; the centre remains liquid or soft.
  6. Unmould and allow to air-dry for another 12 hours before serving.

Editor tip. Temperature control is critical: too hot and the centres crack on cooling; too cool and the outside stays sticky. A probe thermometer is essential.

Common allergens: None typically (check specific batch).