The Slow Fresh Food Lifestyle of the Aegean Region of Turkey
The Aegean region of Turkey to the west is home to some of the world’s most picturesque coastlines with sparkling crystal blue waters lapping pristine beaches. Move inland, and you can explore rocky crags, breathe in the heavenly scent of pine woods, and marvel at the rows of olive trees stretching for as far as the eye can see.
The beautiful weather and idyllic location promise a relaxed lifestyle that is the envy of many civilizations worldwide and is just one of the reasons this area is such a popular tourist destination.
The landscape of mountains and valleys that lay perpendicular to the coastline ensures that the majority of the Aegean region of Turkey shares the mild seaside climate. Flourishing green springs, hot summers, brilliant autumns, and warm winters, regardless of the season, the Aegean coastal plains of Turkey provide perfect year-round weather.
photo by @saidsarginphoto
photo by @saidsarginphoto
photo by @hercan35
Agriculture and Food of the Aegean Region of Turkey
Convenient access to various fishing harbors combined with the fertile lands of the Aegean region of Turkey delivers a cornucopia of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and seafood for residents and visitors.
The location is well-known for its slow food and laid-back lifestyle, which are both huge drawcards for tourists to visit and get just a small taste of paradise.
From Gallipoli in the North. Down to Alanya in the south, seafood is a significant part of the culture and identity of the area.
photo by @hercan35
photo by @goturkiye
photo by @hercan35
Sardalya is a sardine dish served in bountiful portions with fresh bread or salad and occasionally chips. The small fish are prepared with cornflour before frying in hot oil to create a simple but delicious dish.
Levrek is a basic sea bass dish served with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before baking in the oven. The fish is then coated with bourbon before dramatically getting set alight for the final flourish before serving.
Cipura is a gilthead bream prepared and served in the same way as levrek, but most often served with fresh salads and potatoes.
A diverse range of fish or calamari dishes make up a significant portion of the diet of the populace living in the Aegean region of Turkey. However, many vegetable-based dishes make up the seasonal food consumption of the area.
Thanks to the fertile lands and mild weather of the coastlines, there is an abundance of fresh foods to use as ingredients for appetizers or starter meals called “Mezes”. Appetizers are traditionally served from the middle of the table and are most often created from whatever happens to be in season, and could include:
● Stuffed vine leaves with olive oil (Zeytinyagli dolma)
● Stuffed grilled eggplant (Karniyarik)
● Green beans with olive oil (Zeytinyagli taze fasulye)
● Reddish shell beans with olive oil (Zeytinyagli barbunya)
● Stuffed Artichokes with olive oil (Zeytinyagli enginar dolmasi)
Of course, no Aegean diet would be complete without the humble olive, which is grown prolifically in the many olive groves found in the Aegean region of Turkey. Olives are served with mezes or eaten with breakfast.
The evening meal is an unhurried affair, and rushing your food is considered rude and won’t be tolerated. It’s a time for families to spend time with each other and enjoy a long conversation while dining on the fresh bounty, often served straight from the sea or field directly to the table.
photo by gogastronomyturkiye.com
It’s no wonder that doctors and other health professionals regularly recommend the diet and relaxed lifestyle typical of the Aegean region of Turkey, which is often attributed to good heart health and a long, happy life.
photo by @angelosorganicoliveoil