Şalgam or Şalgam Suyu, pronounced "shal-gam", is a popular Turkish traditional fermented beverage from the southern Turkish cities of Adana, Hatay, Tarsus, Mersin, Kahramanmaras, İzmir and the Çukurova region. The name of the fruit is a Persian loanword meaning turnip. It is either called turnip juice, turnip water, shalgam juice, or shalgam water. The French traveler, naturalist and writer Pierre Belon described its production method in the 15th century. Şalgam is produced by lactic acid fermentation. Studies have shown that the juice of the purple carrot used in Şalgam reduces the effects of high-carbohydrate, high-fat diets in rats. It is one of the most popular beverages during winter in Turkey.
A slice of purple carrot, wedges of paprika and/or garlic is often added just before drinking. Alongside rakı and ayran, it is typically drunk after eating kebab. Şalgam is often served alongside the alcoholic drink rakı in a separate glass as they complement one another. In some parts of Turkey, ayran and şalgam are mixed.