Maraş ice cream, known locally as Maraş dondurması, is named after the town of Kahramanmaraş at the base of Ahir Mountain in Türkiye. This dessert stands out for its unique texture and flavor, setting it apart from Italian-style gelato.
The distinct qualities of Maraş ice cream come from ingredients that are specific to the region. The recipe includes salep, a powder made from the tubers of a purple orchid found only around Ahir Mountain. Salep gives the ice cream its characteristic consistency. Another ingredient is Arabic gum, which contributes to its chewy texture. Goat’s milk sourced from local goats on Ahir Mountain is also used in production.
Maraş dondurması has become popular throughout Türkiye and remains closely tied to its regional origins.