Turkish delight: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:38, 10 February 2025

A confectionery made from starch and sugar

Turkish delight (Turkish: lokum ) is a family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar. The confection is often flavored with rosewater, mastic, bergamot orange, or lemon. Premium varieties consist largely of chopped dates, pistachios, and hazelnuts or walnuts bound by the gel. The confection is often packaged and eaten in small cubes dusted with icing sugar, copra, or powdered cream of tartar to prevent clinging.

History

The exact origin of Turkish delight is not well documented, but it is known to have been produced in Turkey as early as the late 18th century. The confection is believed to have been invented by Bekir Efendi, who opened a confectionery shop in Istanbul in 1777. The sweet quickly gained popularity in the Ottoman Empire and later spread to Europe, where it became known as "Turkish delight."

Preparation

The traditional method of making Turkish delight involves boiling sugar and water together, then adding starch and cream of tartar to form a thick, sticky mixture. This mixture is then flavored and colored before being poured into a mold to set. Once set, the confection is cut into small cubes and dusted with powdered sugar or desiccated coconut to prevent sticking.

Varieties

Turkish delight comes in a variety of flavors and textures. Common flavors include rose, lemon, and orange, while more exotic varieties may include pomegranate, mint, or cinnamon. Some versions incorporate nuts such as pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts, adding a crunchy texture to the otherwise soft and chewy sweet.

Cultural significance

Turkish delight holds a special place in Turkish culture and is often served as a gesture of hospitality. It is commonly enjoyed with coffee or tea and is a popular gift during holidays and special occasions. The confection has also gained international recognition and is enjoyed in many countries around the world.

Gallery

A display of various Turkish delights
Traditional Turkish delight
Honey-flavored Turkish delight
Turkish delight with nougat and dried apricot
Kaymak-flavored Turkish delight
Fruit-flavored Turkish delight
Armenian cigarette cookies with Turkish delight
Sweets at the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul
Various sweets including Turkish delight

Related pages

References

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Turkish Delight''' or '''Lokum''' is a family of confections based on a gel of [[starch]] and [[sugar]]. Originating from [[Turkey]], this sweet treat is often flavored with [[rosewater]], [[lemon]], or [[mint]] and dusted with [[icing sugar]] before serving.
+{{short description|A confectionery made from starch and sugar}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-== History ==
+'''Turkish delight''' ({{lang-tr|lokum}}) is a family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar. The confection is often flavored with rosewater, mastic, bergamot orange, or lemon. Premium varieties consist largely of chopped dates, pistachios, and hazelnuts or walnuts bound by the gel. The confection is often packaged and eaten in small cubes dusted with icing sugar, copra, or powdered cream of tartar to prevent clinging.
-The history of Turkish Delight dates back to the [[Ottoman Empire]] when it was introduced to Istanbul during the 17th century. The confectionery was originally a luxury product, but it became more accessible to the public over time. The name "Turkish Delight" was coined in the 19th century by an unknown British traveler who fell in love with the sweet and sent boxes of it back to Britain.
-== Preparation ==
+==History==
-The preparation of Turkish Delight involves a careful process of boiling sugar syrup until it reaches a specific [[temperature]]. Starch and flavorings are then added to the syrup. The mixture is poured into a mold and allowed to cool before it is cut into small, square pieces and dusted with icing sugar.
+The exact origin of Turkish delight is not well documented, but it is known to have been produced in Turkey as early as the late 18th century. The confection is believed to have been invented by Bekir Efendi, who opened a confectionery shop in Istanbul in 1777. The sweet quickly gained popularity in the Ottoman Empire and later spread to Europe, where it became known as "Turkish delight."
-== Varieties ==
+==Preparation==
-There are many varieties of Turkish Delight, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular varieties include the classic rosewater flavor, as well as [[pistachio]], [[hazelnut]], and [[pomegranate]]. Some versions of Turkish Delight also include small pieces of [[nuts]] or dried [[fruit]].
+The traditional method of making Turkish delight involves boiling sugar and water together, then adding starch and cream of tartar to form a thick, sticky mixture. This mixture is then flavored and colored before being poured into a mold to set. Once set, the confection is cut into small cubes and dusted with powdered sugar or desiccated coconut to prevent sticking.
-== Cultural Significance ==
+==Varieties==
-Turkish Delight holds a significant place in Turkish culture. It is often served during holidays and special occasions, and is a common gift item. The sweet is also featured in literature, most notably in [[C.S. Lewis]]'s ''[[The Chronicles of Narnia]]'' series, where it is used as a plot device.
+Turkish delight comes in a variety of flavors and textures. Common flavors include rose, lemon, and orange, while more exotic varieties may include pomegranate, mint, or cinnamon. Some versions incorporate nuts such as pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts, adding a crunchy texture to the otherwise soft and chewy sweet.
-== See Also ==
+==Cultural significance==
-* [[List of Turkish desserts]]
+Turkish delight holds a special place in Turkish culture and is often served as a gesture of hospitality. It is commonly enjoyed with coffee or tea and is a popular gift during holidays and special occasions. The confection has also gained international recognition and is enjoyed in many countries around the world.
-* [[Ottoman cuisine]]
-* [[Candy]]
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+File:TurkishDelightDisplay.jpg|A display of various Turkish delights
+File:Turkish_Delight.JPG|Traditional Turkish delight
+File:T_Honey.jpg|Honey-flavored Turkish delight
+File:Turkish_delight_surrounded_by_layers_of_nougat_and_dried_apricot.jpg|Turkish delight with nougat and dried apricot
+File:KaymakLokum_(3).JPG|Kaymak-flavored Turkish delight
+File:Rahat_cu_aroma_de_fructe.jpg|Fruit-flavored Turkish delight
+File:Armenian_Cigarette_Cookies.jpg|Armenian cigarette cookies with Turkish delight
+File:Sweets_on_Spice_Bazaar_in_Istanbul_02.jpg|Sweets at the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul
+File:Sweets_on_Spice_Bazaar_in_Istanbul_07.jpg|Various sweets including Turkish delight
+</gallery>
+==Related pages==
+* [[Baklava]]
+* [[Halva]]
+* [[Nougat]]
+==References==
+{{reflist}}
 [[Category:Turkish cuisine]]
 [[Category:Confectionery]]
-{{food-stub}}
+[[Category:Ottoman cuisine]]