Arapgir Pohmutu


Product Description and Distinguishing Features:

Arapgir Pohmutu or Pohmut is a traditional sweet made from dried mulberries and almonds grown in the Arapgir district. It is prepared using the geographically registered Hekimhan Walnut (registered with number 432) and Malatya Apricot Kernel (registered with number 573), specially crafted for consumption during the winter season.

Arapgir Pohmutu

Arapgir Pohmutu or Pohmut has a rich history and plays a vital role in the culinary traditions of the Arapgir district. This delicacy is particularly enjoyed during the winter months. The process of making it requires specific geographical conditions and expertise, which is why it is strongly associated with the region, both geographically and reputationally.

Production Method:

In the production of Arapgir Pohmutu or Pohmut, the primary ingredient used is seedless mulberries grown within the geographical boundaries of the region. Additionally, Hekimhan Walnut, Malatya Apricot Kernel, and almonds are also included. The preparation of this traditional sweet begins in September-October as it is considered a winter food. To produce 1000 g of Arapgir Pohmutu, a mixture of 750 g dried mulberries and 250 g of a combination of Hekimhan Walnut, almonds, or Malatya Apricot Kernel is used.

In mid-June, nets are laid out under the mulberry trees. As the mulberries ripen, they naturally fall onto the nets. After waiting for 3 to 5 days on the nets, during which they lose 30-40% of their moisture, the mulberries are collected and moved to another area to complete the drying process. The drying of the mulberries typically takes around 20 days.

The dried mulberries are crushed in a stone mortar or iron mortar until they are fully ground into a fine powder. This mulberry flour is then sifted. After sifting, the mulberries are pounded again. Once the mixture reaches a paste-like consistency, Hekimhan Walnut is added whole, and the pounding continues for 15 minutes. Next, almonds and Malatya Apricot Kernel are added, and the pounding process continues. The process is complete when all the ingredients release their oils and the mixture attains a smooth, paste-like texture.

Although Arapgir Pohmutu or Pohmut is typically made by combining all the ingredients, it can also be prepared by adding only almonds, only Hekimhan Walnut, or only Malatya Apricot Kernel to dried mulberries, depending on personal preference. Once the production is complete, Arapgir Pohmutu is immediately placed in food-safe earthenware or plastic containers and made available for sale. Its shelf life is three months.