Traditional foods reflect recipes handed down from generation to generation, regional production methods and the habit of preserving seasonal produce. In our Traditional Food Products collection, we at WeNatur ship well-known flavours of Turkish cuisine from our warehouse in Germany straight to your kitchen in Europe. In this guide you will get to know traditional foods more closely, learn what to look for when reading the label and find practical ideas for using products from fruit concentrate to vinegar, pekmez and tahini in your kitchen.
What are traditional foods?
Traditional foods usually bring to mind products that have been made the same way for a long time, have a regional identity and consist of only a few ingredients. Pekmez, made by boiling and thickening fruit, vinegar produced from fruit through natural fermentation, tahini made from roasted and ground sesame seeds, or vine leaves preserved in brine are well-known examples of these methods. What these products have in common is that they can be kept in the pantry and used in different recipes all year round.
In Turkish cuisine, traditional foods play a large role, from the breakfast table to desserts, and from salads to drinks. For many families living in Europe, these flavours are also a link to familiar tastes and family recipes. As an official distributor, WeNatur brings products from brands such as Zühre Ana and WeNatur to Europe.
Traditional foods at WeNatur: the product groups
The collection is divided into several subcategories. You can also use the sub-collections to go straight to the product group you are looking for.
Fruit concentrates
The Fruit Concentrates category offers thick fruit concentrates. The ingredient list of Zühre Ana Black Mulberry Concentrate 670 g contains only 100% black mulberry. Zühre Ana Blueberry Fruit Concentrate 700 g contains no added sugar and no thickeners, and WeNatur Cranberry Concentrate also comes in a 700 g pack. WeNatur Ottoman Sherbet Concentrate, with jujube, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and rose, is inspired by traditional sherbet recipes.
Naturally fermented vinegars
The vinegar group includes varieties made by natural fermentation: Zühre Ana Apple Vinegar, Zühre Ana Hawthorn Vinegar 500 ml, Pineapple Vinegar 500 ml, Rose Vinegar, Rhubarb Root Vinegar and Zühre Ana Golden Plum Vinegar 250 ml, made from the golden plum also known as mirabelle. According to the product descriptions, these vinegars contain no additives or preservatives. Zühre Ana Lemon Garlic Parsley Vinegar, made from lemon, garlic and parsley, is unfiltered and unpasteurised, so sediment may form in the bottle.
Pekmez and tahini
The Pekmez collection includes Zühre Ana Grape Molasses (Üzüm Pekmezi), made from 100% grapes, and Zühre Ana Mulberry Molasses (Dut Pekmezi), made from 100% mulberries; neither contains added sugar. The classic partner of pekmez, Zühre Ana Single-Roasted Fresh Tahini, is made from 100% sesame.
Regional products, flours and oils
For lovers of stuffed vine leaves (sarma and dolma), Tokat Erbaa Brined Vine Leaves with thin, easy-to-roll leaves come in a net weight of 600 g and a gross weight of 1300 g. For gluten-free recipes, WeNatur's 1000 g coconut, carob and rice flours are in the Gluten-Free Flours and Grains category. Cold-pressed vegetable oils and olive oils can be found in the Natural Oils category.
The collection also includes food supplements such as pastes and syrups. For these products, please follow the recommended use on the label: food supplements are not medicines and do not replace a balanced and varied diet. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before use. You can browse all varieties on the Food Supplements page.
What should you look for on the label of traditional foods?
When buying traditional foods, the information on the back of the pack matters more than the picture on the front. We recommend paying attention to the following points:
- Ingredient list: A short, clear list lets you see at a glance what the product is made of. For example, the black mulberry concentrate lists only mulberry, and the tahini lists only sesame.
- Added sugar: In pekmez and fruit concentrates the sweetness comes from the fruit itself; look for the phrase "no added sugar" on the label.
- Production method: Terms such as "natural fermentation" for vinegars or "cold-pressed" for oils describe how the product was made.
- Net quantity and packaging: By comparing the net quantity you can choose the right size for your needs; many products come in glass bottles or glass jars.
- Storage and consumption information: Check the label to see which products need to be kept in the fridge after opening.
- Allergen information: Allergens such as sesame are stated on the label, and you can also find this information on every product page.
Ideas for the kitchen
Traditional foods are easy to add to everyday recipes. A few practical suggestions:
- At breakfast: Mix grape or mulberry pekmez with tahini and spread it on bread; tahini-pekmez is one of the classics of Turkish breakfast.
- As a drink: Dilute fruit concentrates with still or sparkling water to make a refreshing drink. For Zühre Ana Sour Cherry Concentrate, for example, the label recommends a ratio of 1+5; you can adjust the ratio to your taste.
- In yoghurt and desserts: Black mulberry concentrate adds an intense fruit flavour to yoghurt, muesli, cake and ice cream.
- In salads and sauces: Whisk apple, hawthorn or pineapple vinegar with olive oil for a simple salad dressing; the vinegars can also be used in marinades.
- For sarma and dolma: Brined vine leaves are the basic ingredient of homemade stuffed vine leaves cooked with olive oil.
How should traditional foods be stored?
Most products should be kept in their closed packaging in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. For opened fruit concentrates, note the period stated on the label: for Zühre Ana Sour Cherry Concentrate and Zühre Ana Blueberry Concentrate, it is recommended to keep them in the fridge after opening and to consume them within 10 days. A layer of oil on top of tahini is natural and not a sign of spoilage; simply stir it before use. Sediment may form over time in naturally fermented vinegars; this too is a natural result of the production method. Closing the lids tightly after each use helps traditional foods keep their aroma for longer.
Frequently asked questions: traditional foods
Where are traditional foods shipped from within Europe?
Your orders are shipped from our warehouse in Germany with DHL or DPD. Shipping within Germany is free for orders of 100 € or more. For details, please see our shipping policy.
What is the difference between fruit concentrate and pekmez?
Both are thick products made from fruit. Pekmez is usually spread on bread or eaten with tahini, while fruit concentrates are mostly diluted with water and enjoyed as a drink or used in desserts. You can see which fruit a product is made from in the ingredient list of each product.
Is sediment in vinegar normal?
Yes. In unfiltered and unpasteurised vinegars, sediment as well as changes in colour or consistency may appear after opening. This is part of the natural fermentation process.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the products?
For questions about ingredients, packaging or your order, you can write to us via our contact page.
Conclusion
Traditional foods are made with a few simple ingredients and are very versatile in the kitchen. You will find every variety, from black mulberry concentrate to apple vinegar and from grape molasses to tahini, in our Traditional Food Products collection. If you are looking for a specific product group, the Fruit Concentrates and Pekmez categories are a good place to start.
Source: Wikipedia – Turkish cuisine
