Gozinaki
Also known as: gozinaq'i, Georgian honey walnut brittle, გოზინაყი, Georgian walnut and honey sweet
Gozinaki is a Georgian sweet of walnuts cooked in boiled honey and cut into diamonds, traditionally made for New Year.
Gozinaki is a Georgian sweet of walnuts cooked in boiled honey and cut into diamonds. According to the Georgian National Tourism Administration, the classic recipe has only three ingredients: honey, walnuts and a little sugar.
The secret is in boiling the honey. It is heated in a thick-based pot over low heat, cooled and boiled again three or four times; it is ready when a drop placed in water does not dissolve. Crushed roasted walnuts and powdered sugar are then stirred in for about five minutes until golden, the mass is spread on a damp board, rolled flat and cut into diamonds while still hot.
The oldest kinds come from Georgia's mountain regions; Racha still makes gozinaki with pumpkin seeds, and modern versions use hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts or dried fruit.
The honey sets the colour. Light gozinaki are made with May honey — acacia, citrus or wildflower (mixed-flower) honey; lime (linden) or chestnut honey makes them darker. Fresh honey needs longer boiling. Walnut gozinaki has about 510 kcal per 100 g.
Why this matters to you. Gozinaki is a ritual New Year sweet: families start making it in early December, and because it keeps its shape in transport it is often sent to relatives abroad.
Facts
| Raw material | Honey, walnuts, a little sugar |
|---|---|
| Country | Georgia |
| Duration | New Year sweet; made from early December |
| Main use | New Year treat and gift; keeps its shape in transport |
How it connects to Honey & beekeeping
Links
- Made from
- 🍯 Honey
- Part of
- Honey sweets
- Similar and different
- 🍯 Turrón de Jijona, Acacia honey
Frequently asked questions
What is gozinaki?
A Georgian sweet of walnuts cooked in boiled honey and cut into diamonds.
How many ingredients does classic gozinaki have?
Three: honey, walnuts and a little sugar, according to the Georgian National Tourism Administration.
How do you know the honey for gozinaki is ready?
A drop placed in water does not dissolve. The honey is boiled over low heat and cooled three or four times.
Is it true that any honey works for gozinaki?
No. Light gozinaki are made with May honey such as acacia, citrus or wildflower; lime (linden) or chestnut honey makes them darker. Fresh honey needs longer boiling.
When is gozinaki made, and why is it posted to relatives?
It is a New Year sweet, made from early December. It keeps its shape in transport, so it is often sent to relatives abroad.
What to read next
- Acacia honey — Monofloral honey from the nectar of black locust (Robinia): almost colourless to pale yellow, mild and very sweet, and it stays liquid for a long time.
- 🍯 Turrón de Jijona — Soft Spanish nougat of roasted almonds and honey (at least 10 %), protected as a PGI and made in the municipality of Jijona, province of Alicante.
Similar
🍯 Turrón de Alicante · Torrone di Bagnara · Turrón de Agramunt / Torró d'Agramunt · 🍯 Turrón de Jijona · Nürnberger Lebkuchen