Which Turkish fermented drink is made from black carrots and turnips? The answer is şalgam.
Şalgam, also called şalgam suyu, is a salty, sour Turkish drink produced by lactic-acid fermentation. Its traditional ingredients include black or purple carrots, turnip, water, salt and bulgur flour; sourdough or another starter may help begin fermentation. The carrots provide much of the drink’s deep red-purple color.
The beverage is especially associated with southern Turkey, including Adana and the wider Çukurova region. It is commonly served chilled alongside kebabs and other strongly seasoned foods. Hot pepper may be added, and some versions contain slices of fermented carrot or other garnishes.
The name can confuse newcomers because şalgam literally means “turnip” in Turkish, yet black carrot is a major ingredient in the drink. Şalgam is also different from ayran, a salted yogurt drink, and boza, a fermented grain beverage. Its sharp, briny flavor comes from vegetable fermentation rather than dairy or alcohol.