Safranbolu - How could you resist these sweet, fluffy, bite-size pillows that you just pop in your mouth?
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| Saffron-flavored lokum in Safronbolu, Turkey |
During our recent trip, I sampled several kinds of lokum(Turkish delights) throughout the cobblestone streets of Safranbolu for the sake of my blog. I mean, the sample tray, was so inviting at every shop we passed so I tried them all. I even went back for seconds.
Yes, I was on a delightful sugar high.
In Safranbolu, there are two main varieties of lokumsold - safran (saffron) and kaymakli (Turkish clotted cream). The town's name is derived from saffron which used to be grown and traded throughout the district. The saffron threads are still used in Turkish desserts like the lokum, tea and as a dye for carpets here.
Turkish saffron is actually from safflower petals - at least the saffron I've seen. At the Misir �arsisi(Spice Bazaar) in Istanbul, Turkish saffron is sold in large open bins next to the dried teas and other spices.
In contrast, the true deep-red saffron is imported from Iran and sold in tiny glass jars. One gram costs about 25 TL. Trust me, that small amount will go a long way in flavouring any rice dishes or stews. (You can find my saffron risotto recipe here.)
Apparently, the real saffron, harvested from crocus flowers, is still grown in fields near the village of Davutobasi, about 22 kilometres outside of Safranbolu.
Now, back to the lokum.
We found the best lokum in Safranbolu at �zer Lokumlari in the Eski �arsi. The kaymakli lokumtastes nearly identical to an American marshmallow, but 10 times better. The safran lokum with pistachios also has a nice flavor. We bought two karisik (mixed) boxes on our first day.
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| From what I understood, the lokum sets for one day before it is cut into strips and small pieces. The fresh lokum is then rolled in dried coconut. |
On Monday morning, we stopped back by �zer Lokumlari and bought four more boxes. Yes, the lokum was that good!
Now, I just need to learn how to make my own lokum!
Where to buy the lokum:
�zer Lokumlari, located in the Eski �arsi of Safranbolu
Yukari �arsi No. 3
