Gliko of Permet

Gliko is fruit preserved whole or in pieces in a heavy sugar syrup, made across the southern Balkans and particularly associated in Albania with Permet, where the surrounding orchards and the water are credited with the quality: figs, cherries, quince, walnuts picked green, watermelon rind, grapes and rose petals are all used, cooked slowly so the fruit stays intact and takes up the syrup. It is served as a welcome, a single spoonful on a small plate with a glass of cold water and usually a coffee, which is the traditional way of receiving a guest across the region. Permet shops sell it in jars and it is the standard thing to take away from the town, along with the local raki.

What you actually see

• Whole fruit in heavy syrup - figs, cherries, quince and green walnuts.
• Served as a welcome - one spoonful with cold water and coffee.
• Household and shop production - made in Permet kitchens and sold in jars.
• Green walnut gliko - the version the town is best known for.

When to go

Year round; different fruits are made at different seasons and the range in shops varies. One hour to look through and taste. Permet shops on the main street have the selection.

Honest expectations

It is extremely sweet and a spoonful is genuinely the portion. Quality varies and cheap versions are all syrup and no fruit. Jars are heavy to carry. Some shops sell industrial versions alongside the handmade.

Nearby

Permet is the town; the Benja pools and Lengarica canyon lie south-east.