Müşküle grape harvest begins in İznik, Bursa

The harvest season for Müşküle grapes, locally referred to as ‘yellow gold,’ has officially begun in the İznik district of Bursa. This geographically indicated grape variety is cultivated across approximately 10,000 decares of land, with an annual production capacity of roughly 30,000 tons.

With historical roots tracing back to the Byzantine era, the Müşküle grape is noted for its thin skin, unique aroma, and long shelf life. Beyond its culinary value, the grapes are recognized for their health benefits; experts highlight that the seeds are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radicals.

The crop serves as a vital economic driver for the region, with exports reaching markets in Azerbaijan and Russia in addition to domestic sales. While producers report a healthy yield this year, they have expressed concerns regarding high input costs and the impact of intermediaries on pricing. Local producers have called for fairer price distributions to ensure consumers can access the product affordably.