Gastronomy
04.01.2022 612
Winter flavors in Turkey
The winter cold makes some people sad and others happy, because there are food and drinks that make this time of the year enchanting. The winter flavors in Turkey are among the best flavors that boost immunity and warm hearts.
Salep
One of the most popular drinks during the winter months is salep which has a unique smell and taste. Salep, which is characterized by its taste and is effective in treating ailments such as coughs and colds, is actually obtained from the tuber of a plant belonging to the orchid family. This plant grows in the provinces of Muğla, Kahramanmaraş, Milas, Antalya, Van, Kastamonu, Safranbolu and Isparta. Especially those grown in the Bucak district of Burdur stand out for their taste.
Salep, on which we usually increase the cure rate by sprinkling cinnamon on top, has also been sold in prepackaged packaging in recent years. But the pleasure of drinking salep cooked in a copper kettle is something else. Those looking for real salep should head to Istanbul Yeniköy Coffee, Historical Bağdat Kurukahvecisi, Historical Çınaraltı Tea Garden or Ali Usta Ice Cream Shop.
Boza
Boza is a delicious winter flavor with many benefits. Boza, which is good for coughing, clears the head and has a probiotic effect, is named after Vefa Bozacisi in Istanbul, but its original home is Bilecik. The bozas that are sold in Soydan Boza in town are so good that if you try them you will want to go back to Becek. Those looking for a taste can choose between Karakedi Bozaçiler in Eskişehir, Alikoka Boza in Adapazarı, Şemikler Bozaçiler in İzmir, Çınar Boza in Manisa and Günnaz Boza in Isparta.
Gherkins
While cucumber, one of the most delicious side dishes, is a truly timeless dish, it's another delight to eat in winter. Cucumber varieties, which are said to strengthen the immune system and even be good against cramps and cancer, are very popular in our various provinces. Some of the places where you can find our country's best cucumbers are as follows; Asri Pickles in Istanbul, Uncle Hasan in Izmir, Hüsmen Aga Pickles in Ankara, Vonalı Celal in Ordu and Haci Turnip Drinking in Adana.
Chestnut
Chestnut, one of the most delicious foods sold by street vendors, is also prepared at home by baking or cooking. Chestnut, which is high in magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, B and C vitamins, is also an excellent food to relieve tiredness during the winter months. Thanks to the humid climate, Aydın grows the best chestnuts that are grown in the regions of the eastern Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Marmara.
Hot chocolate
Hot chocolate warms us in the winter cold and is the favorite drink of young and old. The pleasure of drinking hot chocolate after a day of relaxation on the slopes of the ski hotels is completely different, especially in regions where winter holidays are experienced. Hot chocolate is nearly 2,000 years old and has health benefits and is a delicious drink. Hot chocolate is said to be good for heart disease because of its high antioxidant content. In Istanbul, you can have delicious hot chocolate in places like Rumeli Chocolate Shop, Aşk Kahve and J'adore Chocolatier.
Pumpkin pie
One of the desserts that spring to mind when winter is mentioned is definitely the pumpkin pie dessert. Pumpkin dessert is made from pumpkin, which has become the most popular product in the markets due to the cold, and has many different interpretations. However, it is best tasted in cities like Antalya, Hatay and Aydın, where the weather is warmer. According to the famous recipe of these cities, the pumpkin is poured with sugar and left for 24 hours. Then it is served with sesame molasses and walnut. This dessert is so interesting that some people buy a plane ticket to Antalya just to experience it there.
Quince dessert
Quince dessert, made every winter at home or in a restaurant from the quince produced in Geyve, which meets Turkey's quince needs, is the main competitor of pumpkin desserts. Quince desserts, which are made by boiling quince fruits in sugar water and colored with the pigments in their seeds, are usually served with ice cream. One of the most delicious interpretations of this dessert made in many cities is in Bursa. Because quince dessert is a royal dish and the best recipe can be found in Bursa. The city was the capital of the Ottoman Empire for many years and had a great influence on it.