Koska Grape Molasses (Üzüm Pekmezi) is a large 800 g glass jar of traditional Turkish pekmez, listed as 100% grape molasses. It is a thick, dark syrup with a deep, raisin-like sweetness, and the label panel for this jar gives 280 kcal per 100 g, with 70 g of carbohydrate, 69.9 g of it sugars, 0.1 g of fibre and no fat or protein. The jar carries Koska's red 1907 logo on a cream and brown label, under a dark patterned lid.
For breakfast, stir pekmez with tahini on a small plate and dip bread into it, or spoon it over yoghurt, porridge or pancakes. In the kitchen it replaces sugar syrup in desserts such as pumpkin dessert (kabak tatlısı), semolina halva and baked fruit, adds depth to salad dressings and meat marinades, and can be diluted with water for a traditional cooling drink. The generous jar suits families who use it every day.
Keep the jar closed in a cool, dry place. A slight crystallisation in the syrup is natural for pekmez; standing the jar in warm water for a while and stirring brings it back to a smooth consistency.