Metro Türkiye Brings Flavors Together at the Same Table in its "Following the Local" Journey

Metro Turkey , in the ninth leg of its "Following the Local Traces" project, launched to ensure the sustainability of local products grown in our geography and defining our identity, and to highlight geographically registered products, brought together the Kırkağaç Melon, whose story it traced, with the Bosphorus Bluefish on the same table in Istanbul. While the unique taste of the Bosphorus Bluefish, the first product whose story was accompanied on the "Following the Local Traces" journey, was remembered once again, the Kırkağaç Melon, which stands out with its scent and aroma, enriched the menu with inspiring recipes.

Pınar Özistanbullu Demir: “Geographical Indications Provide Lifeline to Local Production”

Pınar Özistanbullu Demir, Corporate Communications, Events, and Sponsorship Manager at Metro Turkey, emphasized the importance of geographical indications in economic, sectoral, social, and local development, stating: “Geographical indications not only certify the quality and authenticity of a product; they are also important tools that strengthen the local economy, preserve cultural heritage, and support sustainable production practices. Kırkağaç Melon and Boğaziçi Bluefish are concrete examples of these values. These products provide economic strength to local producers and form the cornerstone of our gastronomic richness. At Metro Turkey, we are implementing numerous projects to increase the visibility of products with registered geographical indications and carry these values ​​into the future. We not only sell them, but also consider it our duty to support producers in every way. We will continue our efforts to ensure that these important products, which are the lifeblood of both production and development, survive and come to life again on our tables with the inspiring recipes of our chefs.”

Chef Umut Karakuş: “Local Materials Are the Inspiration for Our Creativity”

Chef Umut Karakuş , participating in the Kırkağaç leg of the "Following the Local Traces" project, spoke at a special event where he combined melon with Bosphorus Bluefish: "For us, local ingredients are not just a product, but also a source of inspiration for our creativity. By bringing together the sweet freshness of Kırkağaç Melon with the strong character of Bosphorus Bluefish, we both respected traditional culinary heritage and created a brand new narrative using modern techniques. Our aim was to show, by playing with the aroma of the melon in each dish, that it is not just a sweet fruit, but a material that can take on completely different identities when transformed with different techniques. I am delighted to be a part of the 'Following the Local Traces' project, which I find very valuable in terms of bringing the producer's labor to the plate and passing on the values ​​of our cuisine to future generations."

As part of Metro Türkiye's "Following the Local" project, two valuable geographically indicated products, one born in our fertile soil and the other in the waters of our unique Bosphorus, were brought to the table with Chef Umut Karakuş's creative touches. Kırkağaç Melon stood out in dishes featuring contemporary techniques, including Yedikule orchards salad, herb pita, Bergama tulum (Turkish Tulum) pairing, and firik keşkek (a type of Turkish firik keşkek) and pudding. Alternative uses of Kırkağaç Melon, such as pickles, marmalade, and sour sauce, aimed to inspire culinary inspiration. Baked Boğaziçi Bluefish, reinterpreted with Giresun hazelnuts, basil, and artichoke hearts, was met with great enthusiasm by the attendees.

Source: HORECA Trend and Metro Turkey