Turkey, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, has been a center of trade for centuries. It's no wonder some of the finest spices in the world can be found here.
If you're a culinary traveller, don't pass up a visit to Istanbul's famous spice bazaar to experience the endless colors and aromas of freshly-ground spices firsthand.
No one knows better than Turkish chefs how to mix and use spices to bring out the most in their meals. And believe it or not, most of the spices used in Turkish recipes are easy to find all over the world.
Oregano, allspice, cumin powder and mint are only a few examples of popular Turkish spices. To learn about Turkish spices and how to use them in your own recipes, read The Top 10 Spices in Turkish Cuisine.
Keep in mind, spices are best if they are ground and used as soon as possible. If you can, use a spice mill and mortar and pestle to prepare your own freshly ground spices.
If you're an aspiring Turkish cook, or simply want to learn more about Turkish cuisine and ingredients, first get familiar with Turkish spices. For more about Turkish spices and cuisine:
Regional Variations of Turkish Cuisine
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