What Is Turkish Delight (Lokum)?
Lokum is a traditional Turkish confection made by boiling starch and sugar syrup for a long time until it reaches a jelly-like consistency, pouring it into molds, letting it rest, then cutting it into cubes and coating it with powdered sugar or shredded coconut.
It has a deep history dating back to the Ottoman palace kitchen and is known worldwide as "Turkish delight." Alongside the plain version, there are many flavor and filling varieties such as walnut, pistachio, rosewater, and orange-lemon zest.
Nutritional Value of Lokum
100 grams of plain lokum contain approximately 350 kcal of energy, with a very high sugar content. Walnut and pistachio varieties contain additional fat and protein. Values vary by variety and are approximate.
How Should Lokum Be Consumed?
Lokum is consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet, as a confectionery-group food.
This information is general; lokum is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Those monitoring blood sugar should be mindful of its high sugar content, and those with nut allergies should consume nut varieties with caution.
How to Choose Lokum?
Good lokum has a soft-elastic texture, is sticky but doesn't fall apart when cut, and has a current freshness date. Hardened or crystallized lokum has gone stale.
- The texture should be soft-elastic, not hardened like stone
- When cut, it should be sticky but hold its shape
- The powdered sugar coating should be evenly distributed
How to Store Lokum?
Lokum stays fresh for a few weeks to a few months in a sealed box in a cool, dry cupboard; absorbing moisture can spoil its texture.
Using Lokum in the Kitchen
Lokum is most commonly served alongside Turkish coffee, and also used chopped in some dessert and cake decorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lokum and gummy candy the same thing?
No; gummy candies are usually made with gelatin or pectin, while lokum's characteristic texture comes from boiled starch, giving it a different texture.
Can lokum be made at home?
Yes; starch and sugar syrup are boiled together for a long time while stirring constantly, and once the consistency is reached, it's poured into a mold, left to rest, and cut.
Is lokum available all over Turkey?
Yes, it is very common; it can be found in confectioneries, patisseries, and almost every supermarket in various flavors and fillings.