It grows spontaneously in nature: It is sold for 400 TL per kilogram.

The oil obtained from the laurel trees that grow spontaneously in nature, collected by the local people and boiled in cauldrons, finds buyers at a price of 400 TL per liter.

AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF INCOME

The laurel trees that grow in the lush nature of Hatay are not just trees for the local people, but also an important source of income. The oil obtained from laurel fruits has been produced using traditional methods for centuries and is exported all over the world.

BOILED, CRUSHED, AND STRAINED FOR HOURS IN LARGE CAULDRONS

The production of laurel oil is quite a labor-intensive process. The collected fruits are boiled for hours in large cauldrons, crushed, and strained. The oil obtained at the end of this long and exhausting process shines like a miracle of nature. Oil producer Adem Doğan emphasizes that he has been continuing this tradition since his childhood and highlights how much effort is required for the production of laurel oil.

HAS PROTECTIVE EFFECTS AGAINST MANY DISEASES

Laurel oil is of great importance not only for the local people but also for the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries. Especially used frequently in soap production, laurel oil is also believed to be beneficial for pains and is said to have protective effects against many diseases.

AN IMPORTANT PART OF HATAY'S CULTURAL HERITAGE

The production of laurel oil is an important part of Hatay's cultural heritage. The local people pass this tradition down from generation to generation, earning economic income while sustainably using a natural resource.

The production of laurel oil holds significant potential not only for Hatay but also for Turkey. With the increasing interest in natural and organic products, the value of local products like laurel oil is also rising day by day. This way, both the living standards of the local people are improving, and our country's natural riches are being preserved.

"WE TAKE THE OIL THAT REMAINS ON THE SURFACE"

Adem Doğan, a 44-year-old laurel oil producer, explained that the journey of laurel oil is a labor-intensive process. Doğan said, "We cook the fruits we collect in large cauldrons and then strain and crush them. We boil the resulting water and oil once more. After the boiling process, we turn off the cauldron and wait for the water to settle. Then we take the oil that remains on the surface," he said.