Grape-based traditional foods produced in Turkey

Abstract

Turkey is considered the gene centre of the vine, and it has remained one of the most important trading centres of viticulture and grape-based foods for a long time. The grapes grown in Anatolia and the foods obtained by processing these grapes contribute greatly to the economy of the nation. In addition to economic outcomes, grape-based traditional foods provide anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cardiovascular disease–preventing benefits when consumed. A few examples of these grape-based traditional foods are molasses, wine, Turkish Rakı, hardaliye and pestil. In this review, the production processes of certain grape-based Turkish traditional foods are summarized.