The Abundance of Turkish Autumn

Autumn in Turkey subtly announces itself, but no matter where you live in the country, the change is evident. As September begins, new harvests make their way to markets, and restaurant menus adjust accordingly.

A Season of Preservation and Fresh Produce

As autumn arrives, serious Turkish chefs focus on drying herbs, peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes, and pickling and preserving the last of the summer bounty. Farmers continue to bring fresh produce from the fields, delighting consumers with the season's offerings of pomegranates, pumpkins, and quince. Pears, apples, figs, citrus, and melons replace the summer stone fruits. A popular dessert during this time is pumpkin or quince cooked and served with kaymak, the local clotted cream.

Root vegetables such as carrots and beets are in season, along with onions, leeks, and celeriac root. These vegetables are often made into mezes or olive-oil-based dishes. Unusually large cabbages are commonly found at local markets, chopped into family-sized pieces for making stuffed cabbage leaves.

Abundance of Seafood

With four seas surrounding Turkey, there's an abundance of seafood. September marks the start of the fishing season. Building a relationship with your local fishmonger is beneficial as they can guide you to the freshest options and clean the fish to your specifications. Local favorites include Black Sea anchovies, usually fried in cornmeal or prepared with special rice, grilled sea bream and sea bass, and the local bluefish (lufer).

Grape Harvest and Wine Production

September also signifies the grape harvest for wines. Turkey is home to many native varietals, with vineyards spread across the country from Thrace to Central Anatolia. Small producers are mastering their craft, and Turkish wines are gaining popularity and quality. Following the grape harvest, October is the time for olive picking, which ends up on breakfast tables or pressed into olive oil.

Conclusion

While some favorite seasonal foods may disappear from your diet in autumn, the rich fall bounty more than compensates with its delicious replacements. The cooler weather brings an abundance of fresh produce and culinary delights, making autumn a delightful season for food enthusiasts in Turkey.