Andırın Andız Pekmezi

Andırın andız pekmezi is a traditional grape molasses variety associated with the Andırın district of Kahramanmaraş Province. Produced using local knowledge and expertise, this product was granted protection as a "geographical indication" on 11 November 2022 under registration number 1254, following an application submitted by the Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality with file number C2021/000458 dated 3 November 2021.

Definition and Distinctive Characteristics of Andırın Andız Pekmezi

According to the geographical indication registration certificate, Andırın andız pekmezi is a molasses obtained from the cones (fruits) of the andız plant (Juniperus drupacea L.), which belongs to the Cupressaceae family.

The distinctive characteristics of Andırın andız pekmezi are as follows:

• Its color is a dark reddish-brown.
• It has a high content of water-soluble solids, ranging between 74% and 85.53%.

These characteristics are key factors influencing both the sensory quality and shelf life of the product, and they are achieved exclusively through the traditional production method specific to the Andırın region.

Traditional Production of Registered Andız Pekmezi in Kahramanmaraş (AA)

Production Method

The production method specified in the registration certificate for Andırın andız pekmezi includes the following steps:

1. Raw Material Procurement and Preparation: The cones of the andız tree, which grow within the geographical boundary of the Andırın district, are used in production. Harvesting of the andız cones takes place at the end of September and beginning of October.
2. Soaking and Filtration: The harvested cones are soaked in water to soften them and facilitate the extraction of their juice. After soaking, the cones are filtered.
3. Boiling (Mâsere Process): The filtered cones are placed in copper cauldrons known locally as "mâsere," located within the geographical boundary, and boiled. The boiling process continues until the water-soluble solids content reaches the range of 74% to 85.53% and the color becomes a dark reddish-brown. This step determines the consistency and durability of the molasses.

Geographical Indication and Regional Linkage

• Geographical Boundary and Type of Indication The geographical boundary for Andırın andız pekmezi is defined as the Andırın district of Kahramanmaraş Province. The type of geographical indication is "geographical indication." This confirms that the product’s reputation and specific characteristics originate from the Andırın district and that its production occurs exclusively within this geographical area.
• Connection to the Geographical Area The registration certificate explicitly states that only andız cones grown within the defined geographical boundary are used in the production of Andırın andız pekmezi. This demonstrates that the primary raw material is unique to the region and that the distinctive qualities of the molasses derive directly from this local resource.

Boiling of the Molasses (AA)

Applicant and Address

The applicant for the geographical indication registration of Andırın andız pekmezi is the Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality. The applicant’s address is listed as İsmetpaşa Mah. Azerbaycan Bulv. No:25 Dulkadiroğlu 46100 Kahramanmaraş.

Monitoring

A monitoring mechanism has been established to verify whether Andırın andız pekmezi is produced in accordance with the geographical indication standards. These inspections will be carried out annually by a three-member monitoring body coordinated by the Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality, as well as upon request or in response to complaints. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure the product’s quality, adherence to traditional production methods, and compliance with the standards specified in the geographical indication.