18.10.2026 16:11
In Antalya’s Akseki district, traditional molasses production has begun from cones collected from andız trees in the Taurus Mountains. In the laborious process lasting about a week, with boiling taking up to 18 hours, about 1 kilogram of molasses is obtained from 5 kilograms of cones. Andız molasses is offered for sale at 500 lira per kilogram.
In Antalya's Akseki district, the production of andız molasses has begun with the arrival of autumn. The ripening cones of andız trees growing in the Taurus Mountains are collected by citizens under difficult terrain conditions. For the molasses prepared with traditional methods, 5 kilograms of andız cones are processed to obtain about 1 kilogram of molasses. The andız molasses, prepared after a laborious process of about one week, is offered for sale at 500 lira per kilogram.
In Antalya's Akseki district, which stands out for its natural beauty, the cones of andız trees growing especially in the Taurus Mountains are collected in autumn. The cones, picked one by one from the trees in mountainous and rugged terrain, are filled into sacks and brought home. While some citizens break the cones with machines, others break them apart by hand using hammers and adzes.
A WEEK OF LABORIOUS WORK
Abdullah Uğur, who lives in the Alaçeşme Neighborhood of Akseki, said they prepare andız molasses using traditional methods.
Explaining the production stages, Uğur said, "We soak the fruits of the andız tree collected from the mountain in water. After they remain in water for two days, we strain them. Then we let them rest for a day to settle. After that, we start boiling them in a cauldron. When it reaches the desired consistency, we leave it to cool. After it cools, we package it."
5 KILOS OF CONES YIELD 1 KILO OF MOLASSES
The cones used in andız molasses production are collected from forested areas after they mature. The broken cones are soaked in water for a few days and then strained. The resulting liquid is boiled for a long time in large cauldrons.
During the production process lasting about a week, the boiling process continues for about 18 hours. As the water gradually thickens, the product reaches molasses consistency and is packaged after cooling. According to information provided by producers, about 1 kilogram of molasses is obtained from 5 kilograms of andız cones.
Abdullah Güven, who also extracts oil from plants growing in the Taurus Mountains, stated that the production of andız molasses made with traditional methods in the region is a laborious process. Explaining that andız cones are collected and broken, then soaked in water and boiled in cauldrons, Güven said that these coniferous trees are considered beneficial by the local people.
IT IS SOLD FOR 500 LIRA PER KILOGRAM
Andız molasses produced with traditional methods in Akseki is offered for sale at 500 lira per kilogram. Some citizens turn the cones they collect into molasses for their own needs, while others earn income by selling their cones to molasses producers.
The collection work, which begins under difficult terrain conditions, is completed after days of preparation and a long boiling process. Andız molasses production not only keeps traditional methods alive in the region but also contributes to family budgets.
Andız is among the coniferous trees that grow naturally in the Taurus Mountains. The tree, whose cones are used in traditional molasses production, holds an important place in the local people's production culture based on natural products.
Andız molasses is consumed by local people especially in the winter months. The molasses is believed to be good for conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and cough.