Koska Üzüm Pekmezi is traditional Turkish grape molasses, a thick, dark syrup made by concentrating grape juice. The retailer’s label data lists a single ingredient, 100% grape molasses, and the 380 g glass jar shows the classic Koska 1907 label with a spoon of syrup on the front. Per 100 g it contains about 280 kcal, almost all of it natural fruit sugar, with no fat or protein.
Pekmez has many roles in the Turkish kitchen. Mix it with tahini for the well-known tahin-pekmez breakfast, drizzle it over yoghurt, porridge or pancakes, or use it in place of syrup on kaşar toast and creamy cheeses. It is also stirred into milk desserts, baked into cookies and cakes, or whisked into salad dressings and marinades for a sweet-sour note. A tablespoon is plenty because the flavour is intense.
Store the jar in a cool, dry place and keep the rim clean so the syrup stays fresh. If it thickens or crystallises in cold weather, standing the jar in warm water for a few minutes loosens it again.