Nutritional profile of traditional Tortum Bağbaşı (Haho) mulberry pekmez (molasses)
Abstract
Objective: This research was conducted to reveal the nutritional profile of traditional Bağbaşı (Haho) mulberry pekmez(molasses).
Material and Method: In this study, some physical and chemical properties of mulberry pekmez produced in the Bağbaşı (Haho) region were investigated. In this context, parameters such as mineral content, pH value, total ash content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) level and the water-soluble dry matter (WSDM) ratio of the product were analyzed.
Results: In mulberry pekmez, the water-soluble dry matter (WSDM) content was determined to be 76.5%, the total ash content 2.02% and the pH value 4.71. The hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content was found to be 30.00 mg/kg, indicating that the product can be classified as Type 1 molasses according to the criteria specified in the TSE 12001 standard. As a result of the mineral profile analysis of the pekmez sample, the concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mg, K, Ca, P and Se were determined as 7.52 mg/kg, 5.42 mg/kg, 166.90 mg/kg, 2497.44 mg/kg, 52.13 mg/kg, 199.50 mg/kg and 0.01 mg/kg, respectively. This mineral profile demonstrates that Bağbaşı (Haho) mulberry pekmez is a highly nutritious food capable of contributing to the daily intake of essential minerals.
Conclusion: The low hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content determined in traditional Bağbaşı (Haho) mulberry pekmez indicates that the product was processed under appropriate production conditions and represents a favorable quality characteristic. On the other hand, the iron (Fe) content may contribute to dietary iron intake, particularly in populations where iron deficiency is prevalent. Furthermore, the findings obtained in this study may further enhance the potential for the traditional Bağbaşı (Haho) mulberry pekmez to be commercialized as a functional food, in conjunction with the future development of controlled production techniques and a more comprehensive evaluation of its biological effects.
Keywords:
Mulberry products traditional foods mineral content PH HMFDownloads
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