Strawberries are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and many varieties grow worldwide. Although wild strawberries have been eaten since ancient times, they were not consumed in large quantities because the fruit was small, tough and lacked flavor. The modern juicy strawberry originated in Europe during the 18th century. By 19th century, most countries had developed their own strawberry varieties.
Six primary varieties of strawberries grow in Turkey. They include the Frenk Çileği (Frankish Strawberry), the Sera Çileği (Greenhouse Strawberry), the fragrant Arnavutköy Strawberry (Ottoman Strwaberry), the Ereğli Strawberry (which is generally used in preserves), the Bursa Strawberry and wild strawberries.
Although strawberry production in Turkey is known to date back to Ottoman times, it was mostly restricted to Istanbul. Arnavutköy, an Istanbul neighborhood, is known locally for its wooden yalis (Ottoman wooden mansions), and historically multicultural population of Armenian, Greek and Jewish communities. The area is also known for Arnavutköy Strawberry (Ottoman strawberry), a small, pink, fragrant strawberry. Today, Arnavutköy Strawberries can only be found in the Black Sea region.
Turkey the second largest strawberry producer in the world.
Jason B Graham
Turkish Cuisine
Produce
Fruit
Strawberry | Çilek