The Kurdistan Region, known for its fertile soil, is home to a wide range of agricultural products, with Kurdish pomegranates standing out for their unique varieties. These pomegranates are widely used to produce pomegranate molasses, a dark, concentrated syrup made by boiling pomegranate juice until it thickens and storing it in glass bottles.
The highest quality pomegranates come from Halabja, Hawraman, and Sharazoor. Several factories in the region now specialise in producing pomegranate concentrate, making the process faster and more efficient. Small juice extraction facilities and modern crushing machines have reduced the time required to produce molasses from several days to just a few hours. In areas like Halabja and Harir in the Shaqlawa district of Erbil, locals bring boxes of pomegranates to be crushed and turned into juice or molasses, which is widely used in cooking and as a health remedy.
Pomegranate molasses has long been valued in Kurdish culture for its medicinal properties. It is rich in vitamins and acids that support heart health, aid digestion, prevent kidney stones, and boost the immune system. When combined with dried ginger, it may help reduce chest pain and lower cholesterol. It is also believed to support fetal development, improve brain function, and prevent diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.
Beyond health benefits, pomegranate molasses plays an important cultural and economic role. Local factories and machines now allow families and farmers to preserve pomegranates efficiently, reduce waste, and produce a product widely used in Kurdish cuisine and medicine. The growing production of pomegranate molasses highlights both the agricultural richness of Kurdistan and the region’s dedication to maintaining traditional practices while embracing modern techniques.
