Turkey is not only abundant with beautiful tourist destinations because the country is also known for its unique, aromatic, and healthycuisine.
Seasonal ingredients serve as the foundation of Turkish cuisine, with each region boasting its delicacies and specialties that make the country’s cuisine more exciting and diverse.
If you are curious to know more about the healthier side of Turkish cuisine, here are some essential ingredients you can buy from an online Turkish grocery.
Aubergine or Eggplant
Turkish cuisine features various dishes centered on aubergine or eggplants. The vegetable is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
Some of the biggest benefits of eggplantinclude blood sugar control, promoting eye health, better bone health, and so much more! It is even one of the bestingredients to enhancehealth and wellness in general.
It is very common to find eggplant in both cold and hot Turkish dishes alike. Eggplant salad, musakka, grilled eggplant, and eggplant jam are just some of them.
Bulgur
Bulgur wheat, just like rice, is another famous staple of Turkish cuisine. It is available either fine or coarse, depending on what the dish calls for.
In case you don’t know, bulgur can stimulate development and growth, aid in sleep, protect the immune system, and prevent chronic diseases.
The specific type of bulgur is dependent on the dish. Coarse bulgur is ideal for pilaf thanks to its nutty taste. On the other hand, fine bulgur is typically used in desserts, meze, and soups.
Olive Oil
Turkey is the fourth-largest olive oilproducerincorporated into many of the country’s dishes. Turkish olive oil is buttery and mildwitha more subtle flavorcompared to those produced in other places.
Olive oil is also rich in healthy fats that can be associated with numerous health benefits such as pain relief and a healthier cholesterol level.
Dishes such as stuffed grape leaves and dolmas are often served with olive oil. This can also be used in the classic dish of şakşukaas well as a dipping sauce together with hummus for your beloved pita.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are also common in many Turkish dishes. it doesn’t matter if it is tomato paste or fresh tomato, it will surely add a fruity touch to stews.
Tomato is also an excellent source of lycopene that helps lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Even though heart disease is already very serious in itself, you can still prevent it with healthy lifestyle options. It is also important to keep a close eye on heart health because unregulated conditions may result in more serious complications such as an increased risk of cardiac arrest and a stroke.
For all that you know a simple grilled tomato or hearty şakşukacan be your first step toward better health.In addition toşakşuka, tomato can also be found in pilafs, kisir, nohut, and kuru fasulye, just to name a few classic Turkish fares.
Yoghurt
Derived from the Turkish termyoğurmak, yoghurt is another key ingredient in Turkish cuisine, not only for its Turkish origins but for its different health benefits as well.
Yoghurt contains essential nutrients like calcium and protein. It also has high amounts of live bacteria that can reduce the number of dangerous bacteria strains in your body.
Buy these healthy Turkish cuisine ingredients today and enjoy their benefits!