19.10.2026 19:46
Kuytucak pomegranate, registered with a geographical indication in the Kozan district of Adana, is turned into pomegranate molasses through laborious work that brings three generations together. The pomegranates, separated into seeds one by one entirely using traditional methods, are squeezed and then boiled over a wood fire for about 5 hours. In the production, in which 80-year-old Yeter Yiğenoğlu also takes part, only 60 kilograms of pomegranate molasses are obtained from 1.5 tons of pomegranates, while a kilogram of this local flavor sells for 750 lira.
In Kuytucak Neighborhood of Adana’s Kozan district, at an altitude of about 600 meters, the work that begins after the harvest of the Kuytucak pomegranate, which has a geographical indication and registered flavor, brings three generations together in the same production tradition.
SEPARATED INTO INDIVIDUAL SEEDS, BOILED OVER A WOOD FIRE FOR 5 HOURS
The pomegranates collected from the orchards are separated into individual seeds one by one without using machines. After hours of work, family members press the pomegranate seeds using traditional methods, while the resulting pomegranate juice is boiled over a wood fire in black cauldrons. The pomegranate juice is boiled over a wood fire for about 5 hours until it reaches the desired consistency.
AT 80, AT THE HEAD OF THE TRADITION
80-year-old Yeter Yiğenoğlu takes part in the pomegranate molasses work that has continued for years together with her children and family members. Yiğenoğlu, who supports production during the separation of the pomegranates into seeds, contributes to keeping the family tradition alive.
75-year-old Huriye Yiğenoğlu also stated that making pomegranate molasses is a laborious process and expressed that this local flavor, which is among the essentials of winter tables, brings family members together.
60 KILOS OF POMEGRANATE MOLASSES ARE OBTAINED FROM 1.5 TONS OF POMEGRANATES, SOLD AT 750 TL PER KILO
Family member Şahin Yiğenoğlu stated that production is carried out entirely with traditional methods, saying, "It is hard work. On one hand, we collect the pomegranates from the orchard; on the other, we separate them into seeds. We produce using traditional methods. We seed the pomegranates one by one. When pressed in a machine, the taste deteriorates, so we produce by hand. It will boil over a wood fire for about 5 hours. About 60 kilos of pomegranate molasses will come from 1.5 tons of pomegranates. A kilo is around 750 TL. Pomegranate molasses is frequently used in this region. We produce both for ourselves and to sell." he said.