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Türkiye: Local fruit and vegetables

Türkiye is rich in fruit and vegetables: neighbourhood markets are full of seasonal produce. During treatment, washing, peeling and cooking rules matter.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a stall with oranges, pomegranates and aubergines.
Figure 1.A neighbourhood market.

01Short answer

Neighbourhood markets (semt pazarı) offer plenty of oranges, pomegranates, figs, grapes, tomatoes, aubergines, peppers and herbs. During treatment choose whole, undamaged produce, wash it well under running water and peel thick-skinned fruit (orange, banana, pomegranate) where possible. Raw salads such as çoban salatası and raw herbs may be restricted during neutropenia; cooked vegetable dishes (zeytinyağlı, spinach, beans) are a good alternative. Choose dried fruit and nuts in sealed packs rather than from open bins.

02Simple explanation

Wash: under running water.

Peel: thick-skinned fruit.

Cook: leafy greens.

03Scientific explanation

Washing: FoodSafety.gov advises rinsing produce under running water; soap is not needed.

Sprouts: the FDA advises people with weakened immunity to avoid raw sprouts.

04What happens in the body?

At the market

Skip bruised, cut or mouldy produce; avoid pre-cut watermelon slices.

At home

Wash your hands, rub produce under running water and cut on a clean board.

On a dark navy background, produce under running water.
Figure 2.Washing under water.

Choice

Peelable fruit and cooked vegetables are the easiest choice.

On a dark navy background, a peeled orange and an opened pomegranate.
Figure 3.Peeled fruit — Türkiye: Local fruit and vegetables

05The produce rule

From buying to the table.

Buy whole — Undamaged produce.1Buy wholeUndamaged produce.
Wash — Running water.2WashRunning water.
Peel — Thick skins.3PeelThick skins.
Cook — Greens.4CookGreens.
VitaminsSeasonal produce.
SafetyClean preparation.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
At the marketSkip bruised, cut or mouldy produce; avoid pre-cut watermelon slices.
At homeWash your hands, rub produce under running water and cut on a clean board.
ChoicePeelable fruit and cooked vegetables are the easiest choice.

07Key terms

Semt pazarı
Neighbourhood market.
Çoban salatası
Shepherd’s salad.
Kuru meyve
Dried fruit.
Ispanak
Spinach.

08Key points

  • Buy whole.
  • Wash under running water.
  • Peel.
  • Cook the greens.
  • Packaged dried fruit.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I eat pomegranate?

A whole pomegranate can be washed and opened cleanly; avoid ready-picked seeds.

Can I eat raw salad?

During neutropenia, check your team’s rules.

Fruit juice?

Pasteurised and packaged; not street-squeezed juice (“Turkey: Local drinks and tea”).

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I eat pomegranate?

  2. Can I eat raw salad?

  3. Fruit juice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food
  2. FoodSafety.gov (U.S.). Food Safety for People with Cancer
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  5. Heidelberg University Hospital. Stem cell transplantation
  6. Heidelberg University Hospital. Treatment inquiry and appointment for international patients
  7. Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (in Spanish)
  8. Clínica Universidad de Navarra. International patients
  9. Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital. Onco-haematology therapies (in Italian)
  10. IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele. Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation (in Italian)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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