The special soil that gives molasses its flavor spreads from Küçükincirli village to the world
The special molasses soil, which filters grape juice to prevent molasses from souring and adds flavor, is sent to different provinces of Turkey and abroad.
The special soil extracted from the village of Küçükincirli, which holds an indispensable place in molasses production, reaches all corners of Turkey and foreign regions such as Germany. Extracted from historical vineyards, this white soil balances the taste of molasses by filtering the grape juice.
The Indispensable Element of Molasses
Landowner Bünyamin Yalçın stated that this soil, which has been used in the region for many years, plays a vital role in molasses production. Stating that the soil is added over the grapes to filter their juice, Yalçın emphasized that without this material, the molasses would be sour and fail to achieve the right consistency.
Distributed Free of Charge to Those in Need
Stating that the quarry in Küçükincirli village possesses one of the most important molasses soil veins in the surrounding area, Bünyamin Yalçın expressed that the soil is generally given to those in need for free or in exchange for a symbolic fee.
The White Gold of the Village
Küçükincirli Village Headman Yavuz İcik described the molasses soil as the white gold of the village. İcik stated that this special soil attracts buyers from many provinces and districts, primarily Akdağmadeni, Çayıralan, and Çekerek, with its properties that bring taste and balance together.
Challenging Extraction Methods of the Past
Landowner Fikret Yalçın recounted that in the past, molasses soil was extracted with great effort from tunnels 10-20 meters underground. He noted that the process, which is easier today with backhoes and tractors, used to be carried out with horse-drawn carriages and work lasting until midnight.
A Journey Extending from Turkey to Abroad
Fikret Yalçın stated that Küçükincirli soil is sent to the vicinities of Mucur, Kırşehir, Yerköy, and Şefaatli, as well as Antalya and even Germany. Information was shared that the price per kilogram is kept at the same level as wheat and ranges between 15-17 liras.
How Molasses Soil Is Used
Şengül Yalçın conveyed that the soil collected during the grape season is filled into sacks, crushed and passed through a strainer, and then added to boiling cauldrons. It was stated that with the soil settling to the bottom, the water remaining on the surface is used in molasses making, and this process prevents the molasses from souring.