Omne vivum ex ovo: eggs in Turkey’s spring festivals
The Latin expression “omne vivum ex ovo” sums it all up—”all life comes from the egg.” The hatching of an egg, a living creature emerging from a still object, is…
Posts by tag
Flavor Factor
24 posts
Mahlep: the secret ingredient of Turkish bread
Found inside wild-cherry pits, these tiny almond-shaped kernels–which give so many Turkish baked goods their distinctive flavor–have a long and colorful history By Aylin Öney Tan Visitors to Istanbul are…
Beetroot: the red jewel of winter vegetable
Beetroot, pancar in Turkish, is a unique root vegetable to try in winter. Add it to your dinner plate tonight! At this time of year, the sun-reliant vegetables of summer…
The right way to eat persimmons
Bright orange persimmons hanging from leafless branches mark the coming of winter in Turkey. Here is all you need to know about eating this fruit in season. Bright orange persimmons…
What is isot pepper and how to use it
Grown in the Şanlıurfa region in the south east of Turkey, the isot pepper is a hot spice loved by chefs and foodies around the world. By Rhiannon J Davies…
What makes fish sandwich an iconic dish of Istanbul?
Vendors call out to people taking a leisurely stroll along the Bosphorus shore, stopping on the way for a taste of “authentic” Turkish street food culture in the form of…
Every grain counts: rice in Turkish cuisine
A historic recipe known the world over, Turkish rice pilaf remains a versatile and cherished dish both at home and abroad. By Aylin Öney Tan It is widely known that…
Fruity festive feasts: dried fruits in Turkey
Anatolia has a deep-rooted tradition of cultivating dried fruits; a cornucopia which lends itself perfectly to all manner of seasonal treats. By Aylİn Öney Tan The famous seasonal pudding aşure—often…
Flower power: edible flowers in Ottoman cuisine
The Ottomans loved flowers and incorporated them in life whenever and wherever possible. Floral patterns appeared everywhere from textiles to tiles, surrounding Ottoman life with depictions of tulips, roses, carnations,…
