Pekmez is one of Anatolia's oldest sweet spreads: a thick, dark syrup made by slowly cooking down fruit juice. The best known is grape pekmez (üzüm pekmezi), but mulberries, carob and juniper berries are also used. In Turkish homes pekmez is a breakfast classic – usually mixed with tahini.
Types of pekmez
| Turkish | English | Taste |
|---|---|---|
| Üzüm pekmezi | Grape molasses | Mild and fruity. → Zühre Ana Grape Pekmez |
| Dut pekmezi | Mulberry molasses | Dark, slightly tart. → Zühre Ana Mulberry Pekmez |
| Keçiboynuzu pekmezi | Carob syrup | Cocoa-like. → Zühre Ana Carob Extract |
| Andız pekmezi | Juniper berry pekmez | Spicy, resinous. → Zühre Ana Andız Pekmez |
| Hurma özü | Date syrup | Caramel-like. → Zühre Ana Date Extract |
How to use pekmez
- Tahini-pekmez: Mix two parts tahini with one part pekmez and spread on bread.
- As a sweetener: In yoghurt, muesli, porridge or smoothies.
- In baking and desserts: Cakes, cookies, semolina halva or pumpkin dessert.
- In drinks: A spoonful stirred into warm milk.
Pekmez vs. molasses
Molasses is technically a by-product of sugar production from sugar cane or beet, while pekmez is cooked directly from fruit juice. When people search for „Turkish molasses“ or „grape molasses“, they usually mean pekmez.
FAQ
What is molasses – is it the same as pekmez?
Molasses is a dark, thick by-product of making sugar from sugar cane or sugar beet. Pekmez, by contrast, is made by boiling down fruit juice such as grape, mulberry or carob. In Germany pekmez is still often sold as „Traubenmelasse“ (grape molasses), for example Zühre Ana Grape Molasses (Üzüm Pekmezi).
Is pomegranate molasses a pekmez?
Nar ekşisi (pomegranate molasses) is also made from boiled-down juice, but it tastes sour and is used as a seasoning sauce rather than a sweetener. → Nar Ekşisi 330 g
What is pekmez called in German?
„Traubensirup“ for grape pekmez, or generally „eingedickter Fruchtsaft“.
How should pekmez be stored?
Tightly closed in a cool, dark place. Sugar crystals are natural and dissolve in a warm water bath.
Where can I buy pekmez in Germany?
Online at WeNatur in our Pekmez & Tahini category, delivered across Germany.
More guides
- Menemen recipe
- Turkish sweets
- Turkish nuts & dried fruit
- Turkish olives
- Turkish tea & tea varieties
- Turşu: Turkish pickles
- Tropical fruits list
- Tahini & nut butters
- Rosemary oil & rosemary water
- How to store garlic
- What is propolis?
- Date varieties
- Turkish cheese varieties
- Turkish salça: pepper & tomato paste
- What is sucuk?
- Turkish foods in German – glossary
