Turkish Delight – not just for Christmas

Years before I even stepped foot on Turkish soil, I was consumer of Turkish Delight.  Each childhood Christmas was accompanied by Turkish Delight and Dates, and these were essential, and exotic, elements of our festive celebrations each year — alongside the big tin of Quality Street!

Dating back to the time of the Ottoman Empire, Turkish Delight “Lokum” is a local speciality. Originally made from honey and grape molasses, sugar is now the standard sweetener used.

Sample before you buy

The majority of the Turkish Delight stores/stalls will let you sample the different flavours before you buy.  Visit any of the larger local markets on the Bodrum Peninsula, and you’ll be able to find your favourite Turkish Delight.

If you happen to fly to Bodrum from Istanbul, head to the food hall to sample their Turkish Delight – endless samples in a myriad of flavours.

Fresh is Best

If you’ve been put off eating Turkish Delight because it tasted dried up – that’s because it was stale, so insist on fresh, soft pillows of sweetness.  I’ve always been a puritan – I love Rose Turkish delight, it’s delicate taste is addictive and triggers memories of Christmas’s past.  But earlier this year, in Istanbul’s Spice Market, I tasted and fell in love with Pomegranate and hazelnut sugar coated Turkish Delight.  The Spice Market is pretty short, but we’d eaten our purchase before we exited the market.

On-line resources for Turkish Delight:

If you want to know more about Turkish Delight, or order some online, try these resource sites:

• Wikipedia – Tukish Delight
• Bayco Confectionary

Or make your own Turkish Delight from these receipes:

• World Recipes
• Recipe Source

 

Deneyelim! (deh-neh-yeh-LEEM) “Let’s try some!”

 

© Turkish Delight Feature Photo