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A small serving of glossy, golden-yellow rice pudding with translucent grains visible, topped with a few dark currants and pale pine nuts in a shallow bowl.

Small zerde Calories

Traditional Turkish rice dessert with saffron and rose water

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

120kcal

GI

75high

POTASSIUM · 100 G

20mg

FIBER · 100 G

0.5g

Quick answer

1 cup (small) of Small zerde (120 g) has 144 calories. That works out to 120 calories per 100 g. It contains 32.4 g of carbs, 1.8 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its 0.2 mg of Manganese covers 10% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 75 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

Small zerde Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 cup (small) · 120 g

144

KCAL / 120G

Carbs

32.4g

· 12% DV

Protein

1.8g

· 4% DV

Fat

0.2g

· 0% DV

Fiber

0.6g

· 2% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 94% · Protein 5% · Fat 1%

Small zerde nutrition facts table · 1 cup (small) (120 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories144 kcal
Total fat0.2 g0%
Saturated fat0.05 g0%
Trans fat0 g
Sodium2.4 mg0%
Total carbohydrate32.4 g12%
Fiber0.6 g2%
Protein1.8 g4%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Small zerde?

ServingAmountCalories
1 cup (small)120 g144 kcal
2 tablespoon (small)40 g48 kcal
100 g100 g120 kcal
1 piece (small)100 g120 kcal
1 serving (small)120 g144 kcal
1 piece (medium)150 g180 kcal
1 cup (medium)180 g216 kcal
1 piece (large)200 g240 kcal
1 cup (large)250 g300 kcal

Calculated from 120 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small zerde

What is small zerde?

Small zerde is a Turkish rice dessert flavored with saffron and rose water; “small” refers to the portion name on this page. It is usually served chilled and is distinct from milk-based rice pudding.

What does small zerde taste like?

Small zerde tastes gently sweet, with a floral note from rose water and a distinctive aromatic quality from saffron. Its rice-based texture is soft and spoonable, though thickness varies between recipes.

How is small zerde made?

Small zerde is made by simmering rice in water until tender, then sweetening and coloring it with saffron. Rose water is usually stirred in near the end so its fragrance remains noticeable.

Is small zerde the same as rice pudding?

No. Small zerde is typically made with water and gets its character from saffron and rose water, while many familiar rice puddings are made with milk. Their flavor, color, and texture are noticeably different.

Why is saffron used in small zerde?

Saffron gives small zerde its characteristic golden color and a subtle, fragrant flavor. It is a defining ingredient in traditional versions, so leaving it out changes both the appearance and the familiar aroma.

Where does small zerde come from?

Small zerde belongs to Turkish culinary tradition and is associated with Ottoman-era cooking. It has often been served at celebrations and gatherings, while household recipes differ in sweetness, thickness, and garnish.

Can you make small zerde without rose water?

Yes, you can make small zerde without rose water, but it will lose one of its signature floral notes. Keep the saffron for its traditional color and aroma, and avoid replacing rose water with a strongly flavored essence.

How should small zerde be served?

Small zerde is usually served chilled in individual bowls or cups. A little cinnamon, chopped pistachio, or pomegranate can be added as a garnish, though plain zerde lets the saffron and rose water stand out.

How long does small zerde last in the fridge?

Keep small zerde covered in the refrigerator and eat it while it still smells and looks fresh. Because it is a moist, cooked-rice dessert, discard it if its smell, appearance, or texture changes.

Why is small zerde yellow?

Small zerde is yellow mainly because saffron colors the rice as it cooks. The shade can vary with the saffron used and the recipe; turmeric may appear in some adaptations but gives a different flavor.

Small zerde Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B6

0.04mg · 2% DV

B1

0.02mg · 2% DV

B3

0.24mg · 2% DV

B5

0.06mg · 1% DV

Minerals

Manganese

0.24mg · 10% DV

Copper

0.04mg · 4% DV

Phosphorus

24mg · 3% DV

Zinc

0.24mg · 2% DV

Potassium ⭐

24mg · 1% DV

Sodium

2.4mg · 0% DV

Small zerde Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

75
High
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

24
High

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Small zerde

To burn the 144 calories in 1 cup (small) (120 g):

🚶

36min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

15min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

20min

Cycling

🏊

17min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Small zerde?

Small zerde is a traditional Turkish rice dessert, cooked with sugar and scented with saffron and rose water. Its golden colour and floral aroma distinguish it from more familiar milk-based rice puddings. Zerde is often prepared for celebrations and shared from small bowls.

It is usually served chilled or at room temperature, sometimes topped with currants or nuts. In Turkey it is associated with festive tables; elsewhere, it makes a fragrant ending to a meal or a sweet accompaniment to tea. It is mostly carbohydrate, with very little fat or protein, so a small portion is a practical choice if you want to enjoy it without making dessert too filling.

How Nutritious Is Small zerde?

Nutrient density

Low

18/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

33/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Small zerde Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Small zerde Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Small zerde Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Small zerde Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.05g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.05g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.07g

Compare Small zerde

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🍯

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.