28-02-2023 -
Food & Drink
Local Flavors and Dried Fruits of Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a wonderful place with natural and historical places. World-famous fairy chimneys, beautiful hot air balloons flying over, delicious food, and friendly people. Cappadocia is a place you must visit before you die! We know that you have a Cappadocia trip on your bucket list. So, when you are around this magical place, here are some dried fruits, nuts, and other delicacies you must buy. But before we dig in, let’s have a look at the perfect opportunity to save time and money during your trip.
Cappadocia Travel Pass® is one of the best tools for saving money and time while you are traveling through this magical place. The Pass gives you access and special discounts to 35+ amazing attractions so you don’t need to try to find attractions or buy tickets. All you need to do is buy this Pass which is completely online and start using it right away.
Raisins of Cappadocia
Just dried grapes, and yes, the method is the same everywhere on Earth. The soil and elevation of the Cappadocia region allow for a variety of grape varieties, some of which are particularly well suited to drying under the intense Anatolian sun. Especially the black raisins are very much loved in this region. Be warned that they generally contain seeds; nonetheless, if you are not traveling with your younger sibling, it is best to chew and consume them instead of spitting them out. Locals refer to the seeds in particular as "blood producers" despite the fact that they are extremely high in antioxidants. These can be bought and tasted at various Cappadocian markets and they get along great with pumpkin seeds; continue reading.
Pumpkin Seeds as a Delicious Snack
Pumpkin seeds are one of the Cappadocian raisins' best friends, and yes, it is possible to find them at all of the popular tourist destinations in the area. The Cappadocia region is a major producer of pumpkins, and the seeds are traded all throughout the nation. Although they are mechanically removed, hand-extracted seeds are the best. You'll enjoy their flavor of them after they are roasted and sun-dried. Please don't ask why; it's good for bladder health. If you're lucky, you might run upon some locals working on their pumpkins and offer your assistance. Of course, we use pumpkins to make soup, dessert, and other dishes, but in Cappadocia, the flesh is so foul-tasting that even the animals steer clear of them. Instead of being thrown away, pumpkin flesh is used as fertilizer for potatoes that will be sown the next year.
Sour and Sweet: Gilaburu-Guelder Rose Fruit
Although it is a native of many other regions in the world, Viburnum Opulus, often known as Guelder Rose, is not frequently found in these regions' kitchens. In fact, it is not that common across Cappadocia as well. You can get these lovely little red fruits in a few places in Cappadocia, but unfortunately, not everyone is familiar with them. Although it has a fruit-like appearance, it does not taste like a fruit. Since excessive consumption may result in vomiting or diarrhea, it is not advised to consume it fresh and it is also not advised to eat it directly. Residents in Cappadocia soak them in water until the sour flavor goes away before drinking the plant's juice, which is extremely high in vitamin C and greatly benefits the kidneys. If you don't live in Australia, you can find jars of Gilaburu at the little spice shops of Cappadocia. It's worth trying it and bringing it home. The plant itself is extremely lovely, and I hope you locate some with fruits or flowers since it resembles a typical shrub in the winter.
Made by Sun: Dried Apricots
The drying of apricots is something that Cappadocians take extremely seriously. They believe that tons of them should be dried in the summer sun's heat rather than just a few dozen at a time. As a result, if you visit Cappadocia in the summer, you may not only sample the freshest, juiciest fresh apricots but also see how they are traditionally dried in the sun. Simple enough: the apricots are spread out on the ground to be prepared by the sun. Sun-dried apricots, which have an intriguing Cappadocian swirl and are not only delicious but also a very healthy snack, provide important vitamins.
Pekmez and Koftur
The region's rich soils are simply amazing for growing premium grapes. The grapes are used to make wine and pekmez. Beginning in early September and lasting through the end of October, harvest season begins in the area. Pekmez is one of Turkey's most popular and well-known grape, mulberry, and carob (specifically harnup) products. Pekmez, which is made by boiling grape or mulberry juice without the addition of sugar or other food additives, is a concentrated kind of juice with a prolonged shelf life. To make "köftür," fresh pekmez is utilized as a raw ingredient. Fresh pekmez is combined with flour before being baked. After cooling, the mixture is put into trays. The product is cut into slices once it achieves a jelly-like consistency. To keep it from spoiling, it is kept in a dry location. The region consumes a lot of Köftür, which is healthier since it doesn't include crystal sugar. It is a great local delicacy. We know that taking pekmez back home can be hard but you can definitely buy some koftur to take with you!
With its beautiful geography and amazing local products, Cappadocia is a must-see for visitors all over the world. The best way to discover this amazing place is Cappadocia Travel Pass® so don’t wait to learn more about the 35+ attractions included in the Pass. See you in Cappadocia!
FAQ
What is the most popular food in Cappadocia?
In Cappadocia, pottery kebab and manti are the most popular dishes but when it comes to locally grown products, you should buy raisins, sun-dried apricots, and koftur and take them with you!
What can you buy in Cappadocia Turkey?
There are many souvenirs in Cappadocia from handcrafted pottery to local wine or beautiful rugs but we also recommend you buy some raisins, dried apricots, and pekmez to take back home.
Are Turkish dried apricots healthy?
Locally produced and sun-dried apricots of Cappadocia are healthy. Heart, ocular, respiratory, and digestive health are all aided by dried apricots. Dried apricots include potassium, which nourishes cells and organs and aids in muscular growth. Moreover, it helps control blood pressure.
Why are Turkish apricots so good?
Turkish apricots are minimal in fat and calories. Dried apricots weigh 1.4 ounces and only include 6% of the recommended daily calories, therefore they won't make you gain weight. Turkish apricots are a good source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, protein, fiber, and iron. They also taste amazing!
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