Taste of Turkey

OLIVES
When are Olives Picked?
In Turkey, olives are generally picked between late September and February. Although the time taken to pick is dependent on the weather and the crop.

Unripe olives are green and gradually change in colour as they ripen, eventually turning black. Hence some olives are blushed, red or brown in colour.

Health Information
The Olive consists of; water, protein, oil, cellulose, phosphur, sulphur, calcium, chlorine, iron, copper and A,B,D,E vitamins.

There are also many health benefits obtained from the olive leaf. The Olive leaf can be taken in powder, liquid extract or capsule form. Olive leaf tea can be prepared by brewing dried olive leafs and boiling water.

Some of the most common varieties of olives grown in Turkey:
Gemlik
Uslu
Ayvalik
Edremit
Cakir
Erkence
Calamata
Yun Celebi
Trilya
Belluti
Samsun Tuzlamalik
Memecik
Grit Eytini
Tempranillode Yeste
Hurma
Manzanilla

TURKISH DELIGHT (Lokum)
Genuine classic Turkish Delight is primarily made from sugar and water. Flavourings are added in the format of traditional rosewater, nuts, fruit concentrates, dried fruits or gums. Glucose or gelatine should never be used in its production. The setting agent should be corn starch made from maize and not wheat based. This makes it gluten free. When buying Turkish Delight you should always ask what the ingredients are and never assume that it is suitable for vegans or vegetarians.