Cuberdons are popular candies that are primarily crafted in Belgium. The confections are considered a regional delicacy. These conical shaped sweets resemble the human nose. Therefore, the Dutch name for this sweet treat is referred to as neus (nose).
There are two theories of the origins of the candy. It is thought that it they were invented by a member of the clergy in the city of Bruges. As well as resembling a nose, the candy also resembles a priest or cleric’s cap. The other theory is that the candies were accidently prepared by a pharmacist in Ghent. It is said that the alchemist was trying to extend the shelf life of certain medicines, such as cough suppressants, by packaging them in syrup formulations. His syrups formed a hard outer crust while the interior remained fluid. While maybe not the best for preserving medicine, this seemed a good technique for making candy. The true origins may remain a mystery forever.
These favorite candies are most commonly made with sugar, berry flavored syrup, gelatin, and gum Arabic. The exterior shell is hard and often made of famously rich Belgium chocolate. The inside is filled with a slightly runny and gooey syrup that is most often raspberry flavor and deep purple in color. Though, there are modern versions made with different ingredients in a variety of flavors. Some don’t even have a chocolate exterior.
Traditionally, the sweets are approximately 2.5 cm wide and weighs approximately 14 grams. Smaller versions are popular treats for children. The way you eat one is to bite a bit of the top of the cone off and suck the sticky syrup out before it drips.
The confections are quite fresh and should be consumed soon after purchasing them, approximately within 3 weeks. Otherwise, the syrupy filling can begin to crystallize. If you aren’t fortunate enough to be in Belgium to pick up freshly made cuberdons, you can order them from a reputable source online that will ship them expeditiously.
If you have not ever had the pleasure of experiencing these wonderful little candies, I encourage you to get some and try them. They are perfect treats for parties. These are popular when produced in the colors of opposing teams to serve while watching a football match. The traditional chocolate covered and raspberry filled cuberdons are really treasured by the locals in Belgium.
You can order them through FoodBelgium here https://www.foodbelgium.com/en/cuberdons-big-2kg-geldhof-confiserie-en
