Pekmez varieties are among the best-known flavours of Turkish breakfast and traditional cuisine. WeNatur's Pekmez collection brings together Zühre Ana grape, mulberry and andız pekmez, carob and date concentrate, and the classic partner of pekmez, single-roasted tahini. In this guide you will get to know the pekmez varieties, learn what to look for on the label and find ideas from breakfast to dessert as well as storage tips.
What is pekmez?
Pekmez is a traditional product made by boiling and thickening the juice of fruits such as grapes, mulberries or andız. In Anatolia it has been prepared for centuries as a way of preserving fruit for winter, and it is considered an essential part of breakfast tables, desserts and baked goods. Thanks to its thick consistency and intense aroma, even a small amount gives a distinct flavour.
Pekmez varieties differ in colour, consistency and flavour depending on the fruit used. Grape pekmez offers a familiar, balanced sweetness, mulberry pekmez has an aroma all its own, and andız pekmez has an even more characteristic taste. Concentrates made from fruits such as carob and dates are used in a similar way at breakfast and in recipes.
Pekmez varieties at WeNatur
The pekmez varieties in the collection fall into three main groups: classic fruit pekmez, fruit concentrates such as carob and date, and tahini as a breakfast partner. Below we have briefly summarised the key information from each product's label and description.
Classic pekmez
- Zühre Ana Grape Molasses (Üzüm Pekmezi): made from 100% grapes. No preservatives, colourings or added sugar; prepared using traditional methods, with a thick consistency and intense aroma.
- Zühre Ana Mulberry Molasses (Dut Pekmezi): made from 100% mulberries. No added sugar, preservatives or additives, and sold in a glass jar.
- Zühre Ana Andız Pekmez: a special variety obtained from the andız fruit using traditional methods. Made from 100% andız fruit; no added sugar, preservatives or additives.
Fruit concentrates: carob and date
- Zühre Ana Carob Concentrate 350 g: The ingredient list states 100% carob (harnup) concentrate. It is made from carob fruit grown in the Mediterranean region; you can spread it on bread at breakfast or add it to desserts and drinks.
- Zühre Ana Date Concentrate 350 ml: offers the intense aroma of dates in liquid form. With its caramel-like flavour it can be used as an alternative sweetener in recipes such as cakes, biscuits, muesli, yoghurt, pancakes and smoothies; it also goes well with tea, milk and coffee.
The partner of pekmez: tahini
Zühre Ana Single-Roasted Fresh Tahini is made from roasted sesame and contains 100% sesame. It contains no additives and has a dense consistency and intense aroma. Tahini-pekmez, made by mixing tahini with pekmez varieties, is one of the classics of Turkish breakfast.
Food supplement: Pektamin Pekmez
Zühre Ana Pektamin Pekmez 350 ml in the collection is a pekmez-based food supplement containing carob and black mulberry extract as well as andız pekmez. Please follow the recommended use and age information 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.
What should you look for on the label when choosing between pekmez varieties?
Reading the information on the back of the pack is enough to choose the right product:
- Ingredient list: Classic pekmez lists only the fruit, for example "100% grapes" or "100% mulberries".
- Added sugar: The sweetness of pekmez comes from the fruit itself. Zühre Ana grape, mulberry and andız pekmez contain no added sugar.
- Preservatives and colourings: Look for the phrase "no preservatives or colourings" on the label.
- Product type: The label states whether a product is a food or a food supplement; with food supplements, pay attention to the recommended amount.
- Packaging and net quantity: Glass jars and bottles are practical to use; the carob concentrate comes in 350 g and the date concentrate in 350 ml.
- Allergen information: Tahini contains sesame; allergen information is on the label and on the product page.
Breakfast and kitchen ideas with pekmez varieties
Pekmez varieties can be used not only at breakfast but also in desserts and drinks. A few practical suggestions:
- Tahini-pekmez: Mix two parts pekmez with one part tahini and spread it on warm bread. You can adjust the ratio to your taste.
- With yoghurt: Drizzle mulberry or grape pekmez over a bowl of yoghurt; you can add walnuts on top.
- Breakfast sweetener: Pour date concentrate over pancakes, waffles or porridge.
- Baking: Try replacing part of the sugar in cake and biscuit recipes with pekmez or date concentrate.
- Drinks: Mix carob concentrate with milk or coffee for a different taste.
- Winter desserts: Try the characteristic aroma of andız pekmez on semolina halva or milk puddings.
To complete your breakfast table, also take a look at our Breakfast Products collection.
How should pekmez varieties be stored?
Store pekmez and concentrates with the lid tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Using a clean, dry spoon each time helps the product keep its aroma. The layer of oil that forms on top of tahini is a natural reaction and not a sign of spoilage; simply stir it before use. If the oil separates, you can place the closed tahini pack in lukewarm water and then stir to get an even consistency. Always check the best-before date and the storage information after opening on the label.
Frequently asked questions: pekmez varieties
What is the main difference between pekmez varieties?
The main difference is the fruit used. Because grape, mulberry and andız pekmez are made from different fruits, they differ in colour, consistency and aroma.
Are pekmez and fruit concentrate the same thing?
Both are concentrated products made from fruit. Pekmez is usually spread on bread, while fruit concentrates are mostly diluted with water and used as a drink. You can find fruit concentrates in our Fruit Concentrates collection.
Which products contain no added sugar?
According to the product descriptions, Zühre Ana Grape Pekmez, Mulberry Pekmez and Andız Pekmez contain no added sugar; their sweetness comes from the fruit used. You can check the ingredients of the other products in the ingredient list on each product page. For any other questions about the products, you can reach us via our contact page.
Where and how is my order shipped?
Orders are shipped from our warehouse in Germany with DHL or DPD; shipping within Germany is free for orders of 100 € or more. You can find the details in our shipping policy.
Conclusion
From grape, mulberry and andız pekmez to carob and date concentrate, the different pekmez varieties can be used in many recipes from breakfast to dessert. You will find all products in our Pekmez collection, and for vinegar, fruit concentrates and other products you can visit the parent category Traditional Food Products.
Source: Wikipedia – Pekmez
