Cheese connoisseurs take note. If you never thought of Turkey as a cheese country, it's time to think again. How about some flaky, pungent aged kashar cheese? Or smoked cheese with a rich, smoky flavor?
Cheese has been an important part of Turkish culinary tradition for centuries.Some research shows that the world's first cheeses were produced on what is now Turkish soil. Turkish cuisine is lucky to be graced with some of the world's most delicious cheeses and a very rich regional cheese culture.
If you want a general introduction to traditional Turkish cheeses, check out this photo guide to the most popular Turkish cheeses. Here you'll find clear information about Turkey's most common cheeses, what region they come from, how to eat them and where to find them, along with very clear photos to help you recognize them when you see them.
If you plan to travel to Turkey, this article is a must. You'll also find it helpful if you plan to shop for Turkish ingredients.
If you're simply a cheese lover like myself, and have never experienced Turkish cheese, I hope it will inspire you to find out more about popular Turkish cheese.
Cheesy Meatballs Turkish-style
Photo © Elizabeth Taviloglu, 2013