Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret behind Koska Halva’s quality and delicious taste?

Halva has high tahini content. Its quality and delicious taste are the results of Koska’s manufacturing its tahini 100% from sesame seeds with its proficiency in production in its own continuous facilities.

What is the fat percentage of halva?

Fat is not one of the ingredients used to make halva. Halva is made of tahini and sugar. It should be preserved at room temperature.

Is the ingredient called E471 used in halva produced from vegetables?

E471 is used in a 5/1000 ratio to reduce oiling in halva; it is completely vegetable-based. It is used to achieve a homogenous mixture when combining the ingredients.

Why does halva become oily?

Halva is a natural, long-lasting product with no added preservatives. In case of a temperature change it can become oily but does not spoil. When left uncovered it can gather moisture and soften but it will revert back to its original texture if trimmed with a knife.

What is the difference between paddle halva and packaged halva?

The use of machinery in manufacturing enables high levels of halva production. Paddle halva is a boutique product manufactured by traditional methods.

What is the difference between hot halva and regular halva?

There is not any difference between hot halva and regular halva. Hot halva is served as soon as it is molded before cooling. Cold halva is packaged after cooling. Their preparation and ingredients are entirely the same. Physically, hot halva has a grainy texture before cooling. When it is cool, it loses this texture and gains regular halva’s texture.

What is the optimum temperature and duration for heating halva in the oven?

You can heat for 10 minutes at 180°C.

Sesame and tahini

Koska manufactures its tahini 100% from sesame seeds in its own continuous facilities. Our tahini does not contain any additives or preservatives.

What are the benefits of tahini?

Only two spoons of tahini is a protein source equivalent to 500 g of steak and as such supports children’s muscle development.

It strengthens the immune system. It is rich in vitamins and minerals.

1. Prevents age-related memory loss.
2. Has cell regenerative properties.
3. Increases breastmilk.
4. Has positive effects on arteriosclerosis.

When tahini becomes oily, does this mean it has been spoiled? How should we use oily tahini?

Tahini solidifies since it is produced 100% from sesame seeds with no added preservatives.
If tahini is separated, do not strain the oil, keep it in hot water for 20-30 minutes and stir with a spoon; its consistency will return to normal.

What is the cholesterol level in tahini?

Tahini is produced 100% from sesame seeds. Since the sesame plant does not contain cholesterol, tahini is also cholesterol-free.

What is the best percentage for mixing tahini and molasses?

60% Tahini + 40% Molasses = 100% Delicious

50% Tahini + 50% Molasses = 100% Delicious

40% Tahini + 60% Molasses = 100% Delicious

What is the manufacturing process of molasses?

Molasses is produced from the best quality grapes from the Aegean region in our factory located in Kütahya’s Simav province. It is made 100% from quality fruits in a hygienic environment, within vacuumed, closed boilers in temperatures below 80°C without over-boiling.

Why does molasses have a liquid consistency?

Molasses has a liquid consistency because unlike previous methods, it is produced in a closed, vacuumed environment, without contact and avoiding high temperatures in order to prevent the rising of HMF level. A high HMF level means the generation of carcinogen due to high temperatures.

Molasses does not include sugar, glucose or sweeteners.

Why does molasses become grainy?

The level of graininess varies from region to region. Grapes cultivated in certain regions can generate more graininess. The level of graininess in molasses depends on the acidity and type of grapes.

Is it possible to prevent graininess in molasses?

This is not possible by natural methods. In the market, glucose (corn syrup) is used to prevent graininess in molasses. Glucose gives the product a clear appearance but it also results in a disingenuous and unnatural product.

What are the nutritional values of molasses?

20 g molasses (two spoons) contain 58 calories and 2 mg iron.

What are the benefits of molasses?

1. Raises the body’s blood count.
2. Gives energy.
3. Increases the appetite.
4. Very good for pregnancy and infant development.
5. Strengthens the stomach, intestines and kidneys.
6. Good for arteriosclerosis.
7. Improves blood circulation.

What are the different methods for making molasses? What are the different benefits of different types of molasses?

All types of molasses are made the same way. In addition to their common benefits, every fruit has its own benefits.

Which type of molasses is suitable for babies besides organic molasses?

We have a type of organic molasses specifically made for babies. Each type of molasses contains different nutrients. Consequently, it would be more prudent that physicians determine the right type of molasses for babies according to their nutritional needs and the table of nutrients.

What is the manufacturing process of jams? 

Our preserves are produced in vacuumed, close systems without any contact. The selected fruits for preserves are of the highest quality and small-scale. For example, small and fragrant strawberries are chosen for strawberry preserves rather than large and low-priced ones. Preserves should be refrigerated after opening.

What is the difference between home-made preserves and Koska’s preserves?

Koska’s preserves are produced in vacuumed, close systems at moderate temperatures. Production at high temperatures raises the level of HMF (carcinogens).  Home-made preserves are boiled for hours at high temperatures in open containers. Koska’s preserves are richer in vitamins and minerals since they are not boiled at high temperatures and as such they are much healthier products. Home-made preserves do not have enough vitamins and minerals due to boiling for hours in open containers.

Is foam in preserves and molasses an indicator of spoiling?

If there is only foam in the product, it does not necessarily means that it has been spoiled; it needs to be analyzed. (It could have been due to filling.)

If there is foam and also distension on the lid, it means the product has been fermented.

What is coeliac disease and gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in barley, wheat, rye and oat. It is found in the black part of the tip of wheat grain. If people with coeliac disease consume food containing gluten, they can suffer from life-threatening disorders which could lead to mental deficiencies.

What are Koska’s gluten-free products?

Tahini
Halva
Molasses
Preserves
Croquant
Turkish delight
Dragées
Honey
Chocolate with tahini

Which products contain gluten?

Wafer
Nougat
Candy Floss
Summer halva
Saray halva
Walnut sujuk

What is an organic product?

Organic products do not contain any synthetic or chemical pesticides, fertilizers or hormones. Every step from production to consumption is inspected and certified by independent audit firms. All ingredients have organic certification.

At Koska, we offer:

Organic honey
Organic grape molasses
Organic tahini
Organic preserves

Is there any sugar in Koska’s organic products?

No, absolutely not.

We use organic grape juice in our organic preserves.

The only ingredient of our organic molasses is organic grapes like other types of molasses.

Like our entire honey selection, our organic honey is a natural product made by bees. We buy organic honey from producers certified by international certification agencies. One of the requirements for receiving this certification is a geographical separation of some kilometers from roads and industrial areas.

Our organic tahini is made from organic sesame seeds and does not contain any other ingredients.

Does real honey become crystallized?

Before packaging, honey is tested by Ege University. Production starts after receiving their reports. As a result, our honey is one hundred percent genuine. The Turkish Food Codex’s Notification on Honey includes information on crystallization. Although not often, real honey can become crystallized due to temperature changes or the vegetable source from which the honey is collected. The notification states: “In case of crystallization, keep the honey in hot water (not over 45°C) for 30 minutes.”

Are light products suitable for diabetics?

Diabetic food products are suitable for both diabetics and people who wish to lose weight. Our light products are also diabetic. They have the same content. Our selections of halva, Turkish delight, preserves and marzipan can be found at stores. These products should not be consumed more than the recommended quantity indicated on the package. They might have laxative effects. Our diabetic products have been approved by the Turkish Diabetes and Obesity Foundation after having been tested on diabetes patients.

Are light products natural?

In recent years, it has been proved that aspartame and saccharine are hazardous for health. Koska’s products do not contain aspartame or saccharine. They contain natural sweeteners such as sorbitol, maltitol and isomalt. We export our diabetic and light products in large numbers and as such they have been approved by international and Turkish authorities.

How much of our diabetic products should be consumed by diabetics?

The natural sweeteners used in our products are not zero-calorie foods and as such it is not possible to consume these unlimitedly. They are suitable sweeteners for diabetics because they take longer to be absorbed into the bloodstream compared to regular sugar. Since each diabetic would have a different sensitivity, we recommend that you ask your physician about the rate of consumption.

What is the difference between light products and other products in terms of content?

There is not any sugar in diabetic products. They contain low-calorie natural sweeteners.

Why does solidification work ?

When exposed to heat and sunlight, it solidifies within a few hours.

Candy Floss should be kept in a cool place without any sunlight.

What are the ingredients in Turkish delight?

Corn starch (gluten-free since it is not made from wheat), sugar and water. Unlike other brands, Koska uses only natural coloring agents and flavors in production. Turkish delight should be preserved at room temperature.