Åžalgam

Şalgam, actually Şalgam Suyu, is a dry, sour and spicy drink made from vegetables, which is lightly salted. The literal translation of Şalgam is rutabaga; therefore Şalgam means suyu easy swede juice. The drink is popular in the city of Adana in southern Turkey as an accompaniment to raki and spicy dishes. However, it is common in the whole of Turkey and is consumed as a refreshing drink and to other courts (usually meat).

Şalgam traditionally consists of the juice fermented red turnips, now often also mixed with the juice of beetroot and carrots, and is mainly produced in private households or family businesses. For this purpose, the shredded vegetables, like sauerkraut, after the addition of yeast, salt, partly chickpeas or garlic, and subjected to lactic acid fermentation of water and the liquid then strained.

Şalgam is cold in the glass, sometimes with pieces of the fermented beet served. Şalgam sellers usually keep a sharp and a mild version available, so that the customer can choose. Industrially manufactured Şalgam heard today in Turkish supermarkets to the standard range.

• Drink
• Turkish Cuisine
• Adana