Natural remedy for hot weather in Türkiye: Snow desserts

As temperatures soar during the summer months in Türkiye, locals have found a unique and traditional way to beat the heat: snow desserts.

These refreshing treats, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of various regions, offer a delightful and cooling respite from the intense sun.

Among the most popular are Nazilli Kar Helvasi (shaved ice), Karsambac and Bici Bici, each with its distinct

Nazilli Kar Helvasi: Taste of Aydin’s mountains

Nazilli Kar Helvasi, a specialty from the Nazilli district in Aydin province, is a cherished summer refreshment. The key to this dessert’s unique flavor and texture lies in its primary ingredients: natural snow from the high mountain villages of Nazilli and cherry syrup.

The production of Kar Helvasi begins in winter when the first snow falls. At altitudes of 1800 meters in the Aydin Mountains, snow is collected and stored in special pits lined with oak leaves to prevent melting.

This snow is then tightly packed and preserved until the summer. The cherry syrup, made from locally sourced cherries and sugar, is cooked to a perfect consistency and later diluted to the right level of sweetness.

When ready to serve, the snow is shaved and mixed with the syrup in a glass, providing a visually appealing and deliciously cold treat that must be consumed immediately to retain its flavor and texture.

Karsambac: A rustic delight from Türkiye’s south

Karsambac, also known as Karlamac, is a traditional dessert from Türkiye’s southern regions, particularly popular in areas with a rich yayla (highland) culture. This dessert is made by shaving clean, fresh snow or ice and drizzling it with sweet syrups, such as pekmez (grape molasses) or fruit syrups.

The preparation of Karsambac is simple yet meticulous. Fresh snow is collected carefully, ensuring only the clean layers are used, avoiding any contact with the ground or contaminants.

The snow is then mounded into a bowl and topped with various syrups. Common choices include pekmez, cranberry syrup, and leftover syrups from other desserts like baklava (sherbet with pistachio).

The result is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly tangy dessert that provides an immediate cooling effect.

Bici Bici: Adana’s cooling confection

Originating from Adana, Bici Bici is another beloved snow dessert that has gained popularity beyond its home region. This dessert features a unique combination of shaved ice, a special starch-based pudding called “bici” and sweet syrups.

To make Bici Bici, a thick pudding of water and starch is prepared and left to cool in trays. Once set, it is cut into small cubes and served with a generous heap of shaved ice.

The ice is then topped with colorful syrups, often made from fruits like cranberries or flavored with rose water, and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

This vibrant and refreshing treat is perfect for the scorching summers of Adana and has become a staple in local cafes and restaurants.

Notable differences among snow desserts

• Karsambac: This dessert is prepared using only ice and a variety of sweet syrups. Unlike Bici Bici, Karsambac does not include a starch-based pudding.
• Kar Helvasi: While similar to Karsambac, Kar Helvasi is distinct in its use of fruit syrups, primarily cherry syrup, instead of pekmez. It is predominantly consumed in Nazilli and its surrounding areas.

Snow desserts like Nazilli Kar Helvasi, Karsambac, and Bici Bici are more than just delicious treats; they are a testament to Türkiye’s ingenuity in using natural resources to combat the heat. These desserts not only provide a refreshing break from the summer sun but also offer a taste of the country’s rich culinary traditions.

As climate change continues to push summer temperatures higher, these traditional snow desserts stand out as a cool and sweet solution, preserving cultural heritage while providing much-needed relief from the heat.