PEKMEZPEKMEZPekmez, produced for a long time in Turkey, is one of the most common names of a concentrated and a shelf-life extended form of grape juice produced by boiling without the addition of sugar or other food additives. Therefore, it can be assumed to be a natural food containing natural sugars such as glucose, fructose and minerals.Pekmez is produced from the juices of fruits such as grape, watermelon,apricot, prune, mulberry and sugar beet, all of which contain sugar. However,the grape is the most common fruit used in processing pekmez in Turkey. It is produced by concentrating juice up to 70–80% total soluble solids content.

Molases is a nutritious food which is eaten and enjoyed by people.Generally ;Pekmez is made from grapes and there is a large amount of grape sugar in it.This sugar is easily able to pass into blood,so it is nutritious. Therefore it is recommended for the chilren and many patients suffering from anemia. We can benefit from especially the black grape grown in the Black Sea region, in winter. This year therewasn’t so much fruit in black grapes. The reason for this is the extreme contrast between night and day temperature.Pollination (fertilization) was never taken because of the pouring the grains of grape.Black grapes which have a different taste and aroma are desired by consumers as they are pesticide free and chemically unfertilized.

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In Turkey, Pekmez is usually eaten with Tahin, a sesame seed paste. The two ingredients are mixed together and used as a dip for bread. Pekmez is also tasty in yoghurt, as well as being highly nutritious. If you add a dessert spoonful of üzüm pekmezi to a glass of milk it makes a lovely caramel flavour milkshake great as a drink at breakfast time or you can add it to hot milk as a bed time drink.You can also use üzüm pekmezi in baking, in salads and in cooking to add flavour to stews and pastas.

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The first step in pekmez production is washing and crushing of the grapes. We need a tin-plated copper boiler,a steel pan and perforated cloth bag. Juice is extracted using a pneumatical or mechanical press. The grape juice is then boiled with a calcareous substance called pekmez soil containing sterile white soil which has high amounts of CaCO3.Pekmez soil lowers the acidity caused by naturally existing tartaric and malic acids by precipitating them as calcium tartarate and calcium malate.

MAKING PEKMEZ

The fire is lit and, when it is going, the metal pot is placed over it. The pan is promptly filled with the freshly-pressed grape juice. Some time later, plastic yoghurt cartons arrive containing a fine, white powder. This is mainly derived from a special kind of rock or soil of particular composition. The powdered rock or soil is used to balance the taste and to separate the solids from the liquid. It also helps to neutralise the acidity of the grapes.  The white powder was added and the stirring resumed.

MAKING PEKMEZ

The production of Pekmez is a long process. At some point the brew was allowed to stand for a few hours, so that all the solids sank to the bottom of the liquid. The remaining juice was reheated and boiled until it thickened into what resembled syrup. The characteristic dark colour comes from the sugars being caramelised in the boiling process.

MAKING PEKMEZ

BESTELBestel,which is one of the local tastes,is among our diets for years with its easily preparation and nutriotional value. Usually made by boiling grape juice and sliced aubergine,Bestel is mostly consumed during the winter months.

BENEFITS OF PEKMEZBENEFITS OF PEKMEZ Pekmez is used as a traditional medicine in many countries, for

example China. It has been proven that Pekmez boosts the immune system, regulates blood sugar levels, counters dementia and prevents blood disorders.

Pekmez made from carob, keçiboynuzu pekmezi or karup pekmezi, is used in Turkey to treat people with low levels of iron.

Pekmez contains carbohydrates in the form of glucose and

fructose, and is absorbed into the bloodstream without having to be digested first. It's also an important source of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron and various B vitamins.

It is highly beneficial for pregnant women and children and with its sweet flavour also a great alternative to sugary foods often given to kids.

It offers many great benefits through the vitamins and minerals and antioxidants but the main benefit is that it is a great source of iron and is very beneficial to anemic people.

The great thing about pekmez is that it is so versatile and can be used in many ways and at the same time offers you many great health benefits.

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