Akseki begins traditional andiz molasses production

In the Akseki district of Antalya, the traditional production of andiz molasses (pine cone molasses) has begun for the autumn season. Local residents collect cones from andiz trees growing in the rugged terrain of the Toros Mountains.

The production process is labor-intensive, lasting approximately one week. After the cones are collected and crushed—either by machine or manually with hammers—they are soaked in water for two days, strained, and then rinsed. The resulting liquid is boiled in large cauldrons for about 18 hours until it reaches the desired consistency.

Due to the difficulty of the process, the yield is relatively low; approximately 5 kilograms of cones are required to produce 1 kilogram of molasses. The finished product is currently being sold for 500 Turkish Liras per kilogram.