Drinking Beer And Eating Bacon: Turkish Style

Turkey is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. While it is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and delicious cuisine, there are some restrictions and regulations surrounding the consumption of alcohol and pork. Alcohol is available in Turkey, and the most well-known Turkish drink is Rakı (or Lion's Milk), which is a significant part of Turkey's food and drinking culture. However, heavy drinking is not common, and drinking in moderation is recommended. There are also some restrictions on where and when alcohol can be purchased and consumed. On the other hand, pork is haram (not halal) for Muslims, so it is not commonly consumed in Turkey, a Muslim-majority country. However, turkey bacon, a low-fat alternative, can be found and consumed as a substitute for those who do not eat pork for religious or dietary reasons.

Can you drink beer and eat bacon in Turkey?

Turkey's drinking laws

Turkey is a secular country, and while the majority of its population is Muslim, the consumption of alcohol is not uncommon. Turkish people consume around 1.5 litres of alcohol per capita every year, which is the lowest percentage in Europe by population. Alcoholic drinks are widely consumed, and drinking is more common in western Turkey and coastal areas. The national alcoholic drink of Turkey is Rakı (Rakija), an anise-flavoured drink that can be classified as brandy with 40-45% alcohol.

The legal drinking age in Turkey is 18, and drinking alcohol is legal as long as you are above this limit. Drinking on beaches and in public places is usually allowed in coastal tourist destinations, but drinking on the streets of metropolitan cities like Istanbul and Izmir is not permitted. Turkey also has a driving under the influence law, with a blood alcohol content limit of 0.05 mg/ml, and 0 for commercial drivers.

Alcohol can be sold in markets only between 6 am and 10 pm, but there is no time limit for its sale in restaurants, bars, and other licensed entertainment facilities. These establishments can serve alcohol 24 hours a day without any restrictions. However, student dormitories, health institutions, sports clubs, educational institutions, and filling stations are prohibited from selling alcohol. A high tax on alcoholic beverages, called the Special Consumption Tax, has resulted in increased prices and a significant rise in smuggling and fraud involving alcohol in the country.

In recent years, there has been a push by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to place Islam at the heart of national politics, leading to stepped-up restrictions on alcohol sales, including a ban during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Turkey's national drink

Raki is often consumed during celebrations, such as a birthday or a promotion, and it is considered good etiquette to clink the bottom of your glasses when toasting with Raki. It is traditionally consumed with chilled water, and ice cubes are often added. Dilution with water causes Raki to turn a milky-white colour, which has resulted in the drink being referred to as "Lion's Milk".

Raki is an important part of Turkey's food and drinking culture and is a significant cultural-historical symbol in many of its cities. It is also enjoyed by Turks almost regardless of gender, age or social class.

In addition to Raki, Turkey also has a non-alcoholic national drink called Ayran, which is a yogurt-based refreshment. It is typically served as an appetizer and goes well with shish and kebabs.

Turkey's drinking culture

Turkey has a unique drinking culture that is heavily influenced by its history, religion, and cultural traditions. While the country has a Muslim-majority population, it is also a secular nation, which has shaped the way alcohol is consumed and perceived in Turkey.

The national drink of Turkey is Rakı (Rakija), an aniseed-flavoured drink that is a significant part of the country's food and drinking culture. With an alcohol content of around 45%, Rakı is often watered down and served with chilled water as an accompaniment to a meal or appetisers. It is commonly enjoyed in social settings, such as in taverns where friends gather to listen to traditional live folk music.

Despite having the lowest alcohol consumption per person in Europe, and a high percentage of teetotal citizens, alcohol still plays a role in Turkey's culture. Drinking in Turkey is generally viewed as a social activity, often shared with friends and family. While alcohol is available in restaurants, bars, and hotels, many locals opt to drink at home due to the high taxes imposed on alcoholic beverages. The sale and consumption of alcohol are restricted to those aged 18 and over, and drinking in public places is illegal, although this law is not always strictly enforced in tourist areas.

Turkey has a rich history of winemaking, dating back thousands of years. In recent years, Turkish wine brands have gained international recognition for their quality. However, due to the complex relationship between religion and alcohol in the country, there have been efforts to limit alcohol consumption. In 2013, the government introduced regulations that made it more challenging for establishments to obtain licenses to sell alcohol. Additionally, high taxes on alcohol have led to a significant rise in smuggling and alcohol poisoning cases.

When drinking in Turkey, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Refusing a drink when offered is considered impolite, so visitors should be prepared to drink responsibly. Drinking in moderation is generally recommended, as heavy drinking is not a prevalent part of Turkish culture.

Turkey bacon's preparation

Turkey bacon is a leaner, healthier, and low-fat alternative to pork bacon. It is prepared from chopped, formed, cured, and smoked turkey. Turkey bacon can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan-frying, deep-frying, air-frying, and baking in the oven. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare turkey bacon using some of these methods:

Pan-Frying Turkey Bacon:

• Preheat a skillet to medium-high.
• Heat the turkey bacon slices while turning them every minute to ensure uniform browning.
• When the bacon is halfway done, turn the heat down to medium.
• Remove the bacon from the heat and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess cooking oil.

Deep-Frying Turkey Bacon:

Deep-frying is a faster and more practical option due to the low fat content of turkey bacon, which can make it stick to the pan.

Air-Frying Turkey Bacon:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the turkey bacon strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook for five minutes, then flip the strips over.
• Cook for another five minutes or until the bacon is crisp.

Baking Turkey Bacon in the Oven:

Baking turkey bacon in the oven is a mess-free, efficient, and convenient way to cook for a crowd.

• Preheat your oven to 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Line a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• Lay the turkey bacon slices in a single layer on the pan, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Bake for 12-18 minutes, flipping the bacon once halfway through, until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
• Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease before serving.

Turkey bacon's rise in popularity

Turkey bacon has been steadily growing in popularity, especially as a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. While it has been around for decades, it has recently gained traction as a substitute for bacon where religious dietary laws forbid the consumption of pork products.

A Healthier Option

Turkey bacon is marketed as a low-fat alternative to pork bacon, with 65-68% less fat. It is also lower in calories and sodium, making it a healthier option for those with dietary restrictions or those looking to reduce their calorie intake. Turkey bacon is also suitable for people who do not eat pork for religious reasons, such as Muslims and Jews, as it is halal and kosher, respectively.

A Long History

Despite its recent surge in popularity, turkey bacon has been produced for a long time. Kyle Lock, senior director for retail marketing at Butterball, a leading producer of turkey bacon, notes that the company has been making turkey bacon for over 25 years. The idea was to create a product that looked and tasted similar to pork bacon, but with turkey as the main ingredient.

A Cultural Phenomenon

The rise in popularity of turkey bacon can be attributed to the cultural phenomenon of bacon, with consumers looking for ways to include bacon in their diets while maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Turkey bacon allows people to enjoy the taste and experience of bacon without the associated health concerns of traditional pork bacon.

A Variety of Uses

Like pork bacon, turkey bacon can be cooked by pan-frying or deep-frying, and used in dishes such as BLT sandwiches, bacon and eggs, or on burgers. It is also available in a variety of options, such as original, thin and crispy, lower sodium, and fully cooked, catering to different consumer preferences and needs.

A Global Reach

The demand for turkey bacon has led companies to expand their production and distribution globally. For example, Beautiful Brands International, a company from Tulsa, Oklahoma, signed a deal with a Saudi Arabian firm to open locations in the Middle East, replacing pork bacon with halal turkey bacon in their recipes.

In conclusion, turkey bacon's rise in popularity can be attributed to its health benefits, its ability to cater to religious dietary restrictions, and its similarity in taste and experience to traditional pork bacon. With increasing consumer demand and a growing variety of options, turkey bacon is likely to continue its upward trajectory in the market.

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