It’s still rather disputable about where does Turkish delight come from. Although it carries the name of Turkey, there are a couple of theories that don’t really state it as a place of origin. Today you are to learn everything about this sweet delicacy, its history and uses. Just keep reading!
So, here are some of the most popular legends about Turkish (or Greek) delight’s ‘birth’:
- A very old and yet immediate and topical myth is that back in 12th century Richard the Lionheart ordered lots of specialties for his wedding. Among the usual fruits and sweets, on the table there was also…what? Turkish delight, of course!
- Another Slavic legend says that in 14th century there was a brave young man who managed to ransom his beloved one from the sultan’s harem. Can you guess how did he make it? Well, it’s said that he brought the sultan some Turkish delight in exchange of the woman he loved. Good choice!
- A seventeenth-century story, on the other hand, connects this sweet temptation with the legendary pastry-cook Bekir Effendi. With his creativity he somehow settled the sultan’s bad temper down by preparing some special Turkish delight for him.
- Of course, English people can’t miss a thing especially when it comes to sweets. Probably this is how the delight got into their traditional tea ceremony.
As you can see there are lots of stories behind Turkish delight and which of them is truly authentic will forever stay a mystery. Let’s say it originated from the Balkans and put an end to this dilemma. Anyways, at least today we can tell what this dessert is made of. Or at least we think we can!
Professionals say that the best Turkish delight is made of starch and sweetened water. From then on, imagination comes to the front. This means that there are lots and lots of choices when it comes to tastes. For example, some add flavors by cooking it with rose water, with vanilla, with lemon or sometimes with all three. In the most common versions you will probably find walnuts, almonds, pistachio, hazelnuts, coconut shavings and other similar products. A great delight, though, cannot go without plenty of powdered sugar on top!
Did you know that people believe the great Picasso used to eat the dessert in order to concentrate better and get the most out of his talent? In fact, Turkish delight can have some therapeutic and healing effects. However strange it may seem to you, the sweet it thought to reduce bad cholesterol levels and help with hypertonia. It’s because of the high glucose doses that are known to maintain the heart’s functions and improve brain activity. What’s more, the sugar content is also able to fill you up with the energy you need. Plus, never forget it may act as an aphrodisiac!
Have you ever tried Turkish or Greek delight? In Greece there are so many options to choose from! Click here and get the ones you want in the basket!
