Konya Hemp Halva

Konya Hemp Halva is a sweet registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 05.11.2021, originating from the province of Konya. The application, submitted under reference number C2020/261, was carried out by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality. The product has been included in the geographical indications register under registration number 944 as a geographical indication. Konya Hemp Halva is classified under the product group “Bakery and Confectionery Products, Dough Products, Sweets”.

Product Characteristics

Konya Hemp Halva is prepared by adding boiling grape molasses to a mixture obtained by roasting roasted hemp seeds together with walnut kernels, almond kernels, and pistachio kernels. This mixture is poured onto a tray whose base has been dusted with licorice powder and then cooled. The product has a history dating back to the Seljuk period and is intrinsically linked to the geographical boundaries of Konya.^【1】

Production Method

The ingredients of the product are 200 ml grape molasses, 250 g hemp seeds, 150 g pistachio kernels, 150 g almond kernels, 150 g walnut kernels, 150 g sesame, and 50 g licorice powder.

The production process consists of the following steps:

• Grape molasses is boiled over low heat.
• Hemp seeds are roasted separately in a pan until they release their aroma.
• Walnut, almond, and pistachio kernels are crushed into large pieces and added to the roasted hemp seeds, after which roasting continues.
• Boiling molasses is added to the roasted mixture.
• The base of a tray is coated with licorice powder.
• The molasses mixture is poured onto the tray dusted with licorice powder.

Konya Hemp Halva is served once it has reached room temperature. It must be stored in a dry environment away from direct sunlight and has a shelf life of one month.

Geographical Boundary

The geographical boundary of the indication is defined as the administrative boundaries of the province of Konya. Due to the product’s long-standing historical tradition and its production method specific to this geographical area, its reputation is intrinsically linked to this boundary. Therefore, all stages of production must take place within the specified geographical boundary.

Monitoring

Monitoring is carried out under the coordination of the Konya Metropolitan Municipality, the entity that registered the indication. The monitoring body consists of four experts: one each from the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Directorate of Health and Social Services, the Konya Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the Konya Gastronomy and Tourism Association, and the Faculty of Tourism at Necmettin Erbakan University.

Monitoring is conducted regularly at least once a year, and also at any time upon complaint or when deemed necessary. During inspections, compliance with the prescribed ingredients and quantities, adherence to the production method, and correct use of the product label and geographical indication emblem are verified. The monitoring body may engage external experts or institutions for assistance during inspections.