The first Lokum
Until the mid-18th century, sweeteners used in the sherbets and
sweets of the sultans and their harems were primarily honey and wine
must. It is said that when sugar first arrived in Constantinople from
the New World, the sultan invited the most celebrated confectioners in
the empire to create the perfect sweet. One of chefs combined sugar
syrup, pistachios and mastiha, and made the first lokum. The sultan was
so delighted that he immediately made him head confectioner of the
palace. Lokum were served with coffee at the end of the meal. Europeans
who became acquainted with lokum in Constantinople named it “Turkish
Delight.”
Commercial Direction of CMGA
Turkey
Turkey
