A Sweet Story from Ottoman Palaces to the Present: Zerde

Almost every society has its own unique culinary culture. Behind every dish in this culture lies the historical accumulation, cultural heritage and traditions of the geography that it belongs to. Desserts are one of the most special and meaningful reflections of this richness. Turkish cuisine in particular contains such flavors that it is almost impossible to find similar ones. One of these rare flavors is zerde, which carries the traces of the past to the present!

Zerde, whose history dates back centuries, was once among the most special desserts on tables. Today, with the emergence of different desserts, the number of people who know zerde has decreased considerably. However, this dessert was once the favorite of the Ottoman palace cuisine, the sultans and even Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. If you wish, let’s rewind the calendars a little and get to know zerde more closely.

 

The Story and Origin of Zerde

Although zerde is identified with the rich palace cuisine of the Ottoman Empire, the roots of this dessert go back much further. This special dessert, derived from the Persian word “zard” meaning yellow, is prepared with rice, colored with saffron and flavored with rose water. When we look at the origin of the word, it is understood that this dessert was brought to our culture from the geography of Iran. Now let’s talk about how it was included in Turkish cuisine and became a favorite of palace tables.

This extraordinary dessert, created by rice combined with the golden yellow color of saffron, was brought to Turkish cuisine by the Seljuks. It is known that zerde, which experienced its golden age during the Ottoman Period, was often included in wedding meals and holiday tables. Thus, it is possible to say that zerde became a symbol of celebration and joy over time.

So, what made zerde so special? The most important reason for this was that saffron, which gave the dessert its color and aroma, was an extremely valuable spice. Approximately 150 saffron flowers had to be processed to obtain just 1 gram.

 

The Favorite of Festive Tables in the Ottoman Period

There were different sections in the palace kitchen where each meal was prepared. The section where desserts were prepared was called the “helvahane”. Zerde was also cooked meticulously in large cauldrons in this section and took its place on the tables on important days such as weddings, festivals and celebrations. Moreover, this dessert was not only specific to the palace tables but was also adopted and spread among the people.

It is possible to see the place of zerde in festive tables most clearly in the Ottoman Period during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. Large festivities were organized at the circumcision ceremonies of his sons Mustafa, Mehmet, Selim, Bayezid and Cihangir and at the wedding ceremony of his daughter Mihrimah Sultan and Rüstem Pasha. In the feast book where the dishes served at these festivities are recorded, the serving of zerde and its recipe are clearly mentioned.

The interest in this dessert continued during the Ottoman Empire as well as the Republic Period. Because when you consider Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s interest in local cuisine, it is not difficult to understand his love for this dessert. The zerde that he always had on his table had not only historical but also national value for him.

 

Zerde: An Indispensable Part of Traditional Teatime at Pera Palace Hotel

Although new desserts seem to have pushed local flavors to the background, the number of those who love zerde is still considerable. If you would like to taste the best version of this special dessert, which is especially preferred during the hot summer months due to its light texture as well as its flavor, you can choose the Pera Palace Hotel.

Pera Palace Hotel is one of the most special historical buildings in İstanbul where the past and the future meet. The Traditional Teatime, which is held every day at the hotel where flavors from French, Italian and Turkish cuisine are served, offers its guests a privileged experience. Zerde is among the best flavors of this special event. Afternoon tea and special flavors that are served with pleasant piano melodies are waiting for its guests at the Kubbeli Saloon every day of the week between 15.00 and 18.00. You can contact Pera Palace Hotel and make your reservation right away to experience a unique flavor experience.