Dondurma: The Stretchy Turkish Ice Cream You Need to Try

Dondurma is not just any ordinary ice cream; it stands out because of its unique texture and resistance to melting. While most ice creams are creamy and soft,  dondurma  is chewy and elastic, thanks to the special ingredients used in its preparation. They are:

1. The key ingredient that gives dondurma its distinct texture is salep, a flour made from the tubers of wild orchids native to Turkey. Salep contains a high level of starches known as glucomannans, which thickens the ice cream, giving it that signature stretch and chewiness.
2. Another important ingredient is mastic, a resin obtained from the mastic tree, which adds a subtle pine or cedar-like flavor and contributes to the ice cream’s chewiness.

The combination of salep and mastic makes dondurma unique and gives it a texture that is unlike any other ice cream.

Dondurma is traditionally made at a lower temperature than regular ice cream, which helps to maintain its elasticity. The lower temperature, combined with the thickening agents, makes it slow to melt, even in warm climates.

The Art of Making Dondurma

The process of making  dondurma  is an art form that has been perfected over centuries. Unlike conventional ice creams that are simply churned,  dondurma  is beaten and pulled, much like taffy, to achieve its unique texture.

The mixture of milk, sugar,  salep , and mastic is heated and then cooled. Once cooled, the mixture is vigorously beaten and kneaded, which helps develop the elasticity. This process can take several hours, and it is done by hand or with special machines designed for  dondurma  production.

In Turkey,  dondurma  is often sold by street vendors who are known for their playful and theatrical way of serving it. Using long-handled paddles, they stretch and twirl the ice cream, often playing tricks on customers by pretending to give them the cone only to snatch it away at the last moment. This showmanship is an integral part of the  dondurma  experience.

Why Dondurma Is a Cultural Icon

Dondurma is more than just a dessert in Turkey; it’s a cultural symbol that embodies the country’s rich history and tradition. The use of salep in desserts dates back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was prized for its health benefits and unique thickening properties. Over time, dondurma evolved from these early  salep -based confections into the beloved ice cream it is today.

For visitors to Turkey, trying dondurma is a must. Its unique texture and the entertaining way it’s served have made it a popular attraction. In recent years, dondurma has gained international attention, with Turkish-style ice cream parlors opening in various parts of the world, bringing this unique taste and experience to a global audience.

If you are planning to visit soon, you can enjoy the dondurma as it is available all year-round, but in the summer, it becomes especially popular. Different regions of Turkey may add their local twist to the ice cream, incorporating flavors like pistachio, rosewater, or even saffron.