Turnip water facts for kids
Şalgam (pronounced "shal-gam") or Şalgam Suyu (which means "turnip juice") is a popular traditional drink from southern Turkey. It's a special kind of fermented drink enjoyed in cities like Adana, Hatay, Mersin, and İzmir. Even though its name sounds like "turnip," Şalgam is mostly made from purple carrots!
This unique drink has been around for a long time. A French traveler named Pierre Belon wrote about how it was made way back in the 15th century. Şalgam gets its special taste because it's made through a process called lactic acid fermentation. It's a very popular drink in Turkey, especially during the winter months. People often add a slice of purple carrot, some paprika, or a bit of garlic to their glass just before drinking it. It's commonly enjoyed after eating kebabs, often alongside another Turkish drink called ayran. Sometimes, people even mix ayran and Şalgam together!
How Is Şalgam Made?
Even though the Turkish word "şalgam" means "turnip," the drink is mainly made from purple carrots. These carrots are pickled in a salty and sour brine. To make Şalgam, people ferment these carrots in large barrels. They also add ground bulgur (a type of wheat) and rock salt.
You can find Şalgam sold by street vendors who serve it from big cups. There are also special shops called "turşucu" that sell pickles and homemade Şalgam. For a long time, Şalgam was made using traditional methods. These methods involve sourdough and carrot fermentation, which can take about 10 to 12 days.
Since 1996, factories in Turkey have started making Şalgam on a larger scale. This industrial method is much faster, taking only about 4 to 5 days. The biggest company that makes Şalgam is Doganay Gida. They produce almost all of the Şalgam sold each year! This special drink is even sent to other countries like Europe and Japan. The unique taste of Şalgam comes from the lactic acid and ethanol created during the fermentation process.
Şalgam Festivals and Fun Events
Şalgam is so loved that it even has its own celebration! Since 2010, there has been a festival in Adana dedicated to Şalgam. This event is also known as the Adana Kebap ve Şalgam Festivali. It grew from a tradition that's hundreds of years old, where people enjoy kebabs with liver, Şalgam, and other drinks.
This festival has become a very popular street party across Turkey. On the second Saturday night of December, street musicians play drums and a special instrument called a zurna. They entertain visitors all night long, making it a lively and fun event for everyone!
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