Turkish cuisine is known for its great variety of dishes and ingredients, but there is also a great variety of traditional drinks. Turkish drinks and beverages have been around for a very long time, some of which are the most popular in the world. Many people love them, and they help keep your body going through a hot summer day or stay warm in the winter months. But more importantly, many people find these yummy drinks delicious! In this article, We will go into detail on three popular Turkish beverages, how it’s made and what they taste like.
Turkish Yogurt (Ayran)
The first drink that comes to mind when you think of traditional Turkish drinks is Ayran. It’s easy in preparation which makes it common and can be found in many places. Ayran is a traditional cold drink that people like to enjoy in the summer because it's refreshing and has an amazing taste. Ayran history dates back to the time of the Turk nomadic tribes and is observed in some cultures, such as Iran or Arab countries When foreigners ask for Ayran ingredients, they might not know what it tastes like and if it’s a good combination with other foods. However, the moment they drink “Ayran” with food like kebab or Doner Kebab, they love this refreshing Turkish drink! Furthermore, The most significant attribute that contributes to Ayran's reputation, in other countries, is the massive health benefits of this simple yoghurt drink. Ayran is a healthful drink for all the same reasons as yogurt. It's high in protein and calcium, which are two important components of a balanced diet. Therefore, it's a useful drink for bodybuilders because protein is essential to their diet. Some of the bodybuilders often drink Ayran instead of manufactured protein powder mixes. Ayran, as well as aiding digestion, cures hangovers. There is a particular type of bacteria in yogurt that helps cure stomach illnesses like constipation or diarrhoea, so many Turkish parents give their children Ayran when they complain of a sick tummy. So overall, the answer to the question "Is Ayran a healthy drink?" would be yes.Turkish Coffee
The beginning of a coffee empire that stretches from the east coast of Africa to the west coast of North America has its origin in this small Yemeni town. In 1517, Ottoman Turks conquered Mocha and took their coffee beans back home. They were unaware that this was only the beginning! Turkish culture has evolved over the centuries, but coffee remains at its heart. From betrothals to gender customs, coffee is deeply entrenched in Turkish lifestyle and culture. Although many of these rituals are not prevalent today, they were once integral parts of daily life for Turks. Turkish coffee is a finely ground powder derived from the Arabica bean. The aromatic spice, cardamom, can be added to the coffee while it's being ground. Serving Turkish coffee with whole seeds boiled in it and allowed to float at the top of one's cup yields an experience that doesn't disappoint. Turkish coffee is available in six levels of sweetness, from very sweet to black. They are not sweetened with sugar it's served, which eliminates the need for spoons. Turkish coffee is delicious, but it also has a unique tradition of serving, The Turkish coffee ceremony dictates that if there is no foam on top of your cup of coffee, your coffee lose face. When you're watching your diet and trying to stay healthy, Turkish coffee is a perfect snack. It has nutritional value and can be consumed any time of the day. It is also one of those things that have many health benefits, as it provides energy to the body and helps you stay fit throughout. If you drink 2 cups a day, it will strengthen your mental activities too!Turkish tea
Tea became a popular drink in Turkey during World War 2 when coffee bean prices skyrocketed. The Turkish people needed an alternative to caffeine, so they turned towards black tea which is also highly caffeinated. Turkish tea is often served in tulip-shaped glasses, consumed all day long. It’s especially popular during breakfast time. One of the ways to know whether a tea is good or not is by looking at its colour. The more red and caffeinated the tea is, the better. This hue of red and strong comes from "tavşan kanı", which translates to "rabbit blood". It's a great indicator before you sip! Turkish tea is too strong to be served in large cups, that’s the reason why it's always offered in small tulip-shaped glasses. You have to hold the glass by its rim else you might burn your fingers because is served hot! Turkish tea is made by pouring some very strong tea into the glass, then cutting it with water to the desired strength. You can add sugar in it but no milk, and you can have it either lighter (weaker) or darker (stronger) depending on your taste because Turkish Tea is made through a process of pouring strong tea into a glass that is cut with water. Enjoy Traditional Turkish drinks and beverages at their best at Sahan Mezopotamian Street Food.
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Source Turkish-cuisine.org and yummyistanbul.com