Andırın Andız Pekmezi

Andırın andız pekmezi is a traditional type of pekmez uniquely 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 reference number C2021/000458 dated 3 November 2021.

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

Andırın andız pekmezi has the following distinctive characteristics:

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

These characteristics are key factors influencing both the sensory quality and shelf life of the pekmez and are achieved through the traditional production method unique to the Andırın region.

^{The Traditional Production of Registered Andız Molasses in Kahramanmaraş (}AA⁾

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

1. Raw Material Acquisition and Preparation: The cones of the andız tree, which grow within the defined 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 andız cones are soaked in water to soften them and facilitate easier extraction of their juice. After soaking, the cones are filtered.
3. Boiling (Mâsere Process): The filtered andız cones are placed in copper cauldrons known locally as "mâsere" within the geographical boundary and boiled. The boiling process continues until the soluble dry matter 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 pekmez.

• Geographical Boundary and Indication Type The geographical boundary for Andırın andız pekmezi is defined as the Andırın district of Kahramanmaraş province. The type of geographical indication is "geographical indication" (mahreç işareti). 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.
• Link 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 pekmez derive directly from this local ingredient.

^{Pekmezin Kaynatılma Anı (}AA⁾

The applicant for the geographical indication 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.

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