Turnib Spicy Şalgam Juice – 1 L

Deep ruby red, sharply sour and carrying a proper kick of chilli, Turnib spicy şalgam is not a drink for the faint-hearted, and that is exactly why people love it. This 1 litre bottle is made the traditional southern Turkish way, by fermenting purple carrots with bulgur and hot peppers from the Tarsus and Adana region.

What Is Şalgam?

Şalgam suyu comes from the Çukurova plain around Adana and Mersin, where it has been made for generations. The name literally means turnip juice, and older recipes did include turnip, but today the star ingredient is the black or purple carrot, which gives the drink its striking colour. In fact, many people outside Turkey describe it simply as a fermented purple carrot juice.

Turnib starts with carefully grown purple carrots, which are cleaned and placed in fermentation tanks. Bulgur made from selected wheat is washed in hot water and left to ferment separately, creating a natural sourdough-like starter. The two are combined with water, salt and hot peppers, then left to ferment slowly until the liquid becomes tangy, savoury and full of character.

The Taste

If you have never tried it, expect something closer to pickle brine than fruit juice. The first sip is salty and sour, followed by an earthy sweetness from the carrots and then a warming heat from the chillies that lingers at the back of the throat. It is bold, refreshing and surprisingly moreish once you get used to it. Many first-timers are unsure after one sip and then find themselves reaching for a second glass by the end of the meal.

When to Drink It

In Adana, ordering kebab without şalgam is almost unthinkable. The sharp acidity cuts through the richness of grilled lamb and the chilli echoes the spice of the meat, which is why it has become the classic partner to an Adana kebab. It is equally good with lahmacun, çiğ köfte, dürüm wraps and any fatty, smoky barbecue food.

• Serve well chilled, straight from the fridge.
• Pour into a glass and add a slice of pickled carrot or turnip if you have one.
• Drink alongside your meal rather than on its own for the best balance.
• Try it as a bold base for a savoury mocktail with lemon and soda.

Spicy or Mild?

This bottle is the spicy version, with a noticeable chilli heat. If you prefer something gentler, Turnib also makes a mild variety. Both share the same fermented, savoury character, so it really comes down to how much heat you enjoy.

Storage

Store unopened bottles in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep refrigerated and drink within a few days, following the date on the label. Shake gently before pouring, as natural sediment is normal in a fermented drink. Please check the label for full ingredients and allergen information, as it is made with bulgur wheat.

Order Spicy Şalgam Online

Robin Food delivers Turkish drinks across the UK, with same-day delivery available in many London postcodes. Build a street food night at home with our lahmacun, çiğ köfte and kokoreç, and keep a bottle of spicy şalgam chilling in the fridge.