Pestil

Pestil, known in English as "fruit leather" is a traditional Turkish delicacy crafted from dried fruit pulp. To create this delightful treat, fruit is mechanically pulverized and then dried, resulting in a tough yet flexible material that can be stored for months in an airtight container.

The word "pestil" actually derives from the Armenian term "pastel" and in Greek, it's referred to as "pastilos." In some regions of Turkey, such as the southeastern city of Urfa, people call it "bastık."

Interestingly, Bulgaria has its own version of pestil, typically made from plums. To prepare it, plums are boiled with sugar and water until they form a thick mixture, which is then cooled into a solid layer. Bulgarian pestil is often thicker than its Turkish counterpart and is usually cut into small pieces rather than being rolled up.

While plums are a common choice, pestil can be made from a variety of fruits, including apples, apricots, pears, peaches, and even melons. This versatile treat offers a delightful way to savor the flavors of different fruits all year round.