How pine cones are traditionally turning into molasses in Türkiye's Bursa

Women in a rural neighborhood of Bursa, on the southern slopes of Mount Uludag, produce pine cone molasses using traditional methods.

As part of the ORKOY (Department of Forest–Village Relations under the General Directorate of Forestry) project, women turn pine cones gathered from nearby forests into molasses to support household income and rural livelihoods.

Twenty-three women from the Kocakovacik neighborhood of Bursa benefited from ORKOY support to produce molasses from pine cones harvested in the region.

Pine cone molasses produced by the women is sold at local village markets and through online platforms. Villagers say they have just started production this year and plan to increase output in the coming months.

Local residents say the pine cone molasses is in high demand due to its perceived health benefits.