Legacies from Turkish Cuisine to World Cuisine: Turkish Delight

Turkish delight is a dessert inherited from the Ottoman palace cuisine. The history of Turkish delight dates back to ancient times. Although there is no proven information, it is said that the history of Turkish delight dates back to the Persians. It is known that the dessert called "abhisa" in the Sassanids is the origin of Turkish delight. This date goes back to 226 BC. As an etymological origin, Turkish delight was formerly known as "rahat-ul-hulküm" in Ottoman Turkish. It means “Turkish delight that relaxes the throat”. In the following periods, it was used as "comfortable Turkish delight". In Arabic and Persian, it is used as "lukme". Today, the last use of the word "Turkish Delight" is used. The meeting of Europe with Turkish delight dates back to the 15th century. Travelers of the period took Turkish delight to Europe and named it "Turkish Delight". The production of Turkish delight, which is also popular in Europe, started in 1777. Turkish delight, which started mass production in the Ottoman period, is one of the original tastes inherited from Turkish cuisine to world cuisine.

Taste Story of Traditional Turkish Delight

Lokum was made from a mixture of fruit syrup, honey, and flour in the Ottoman period. Today, it has been diversified with additions such as dried fruit and nuts. One of the features of Turkish delight is its texture. This tissue should not have an elastic structure. The appropriate consistency of Turkish delight is that it has a soft consistency. Besides coffee, Turkish delight, which is hosted on special days and holidays, has been used as a part of our culture for centuries. The phrase "lat-i lokum", which has come from the past to the present, is a phrase used by adults when they love children. This idiom also emphasizes the importance of Turkish delight in Turkish culture. Turkish delight, which is the crown jewel of the houses, still accompanies the tables today. Turkish delight requires mastery in its making. Although not many materials are used, mastery is required to obtain the appropriate consistency. It is possible to find Turkish delight, which has a special cooking method, in different varieties. In our tradition, Turkish delight is carefully and specially presented; usually served in separate bowls. Turkish delight, which was served with a handkerchief in the past, is now served with a different glass or copper presentation products. Turkish coffee can also be served with a coffee plate or served in a separate bowl in the middle.

What are Turkish Delight Types?

Turkish delight; There are many options such as walnut, pistachio, pomegranate, plain, fruity, rose-leaf, coconut. In addition, Turkish delight, which has different varieties, appeals to all tastes. There are varieties such as wick Turkish delight, cezerye, bird's delight, sultan's delight, pasha delight, double roasted delight. Wick Turkish delight is made by cutting the Turkish delight cooled in the tray into squares. Plain Turkish delight is made with basic Turkish delight ingredients, in addition, no fruit or nuts are added. Sultan Turkish delights are prepared by mixing the standard recipe with sugar syrup. Bird's delight is obtained by cutting the plain delight into small sizes and adding flavors to its content during the making of the delight. In fruit delights, natural fruit flavors are optionally added during production.