Grape honey facts for kids

Jallab syrup made from carob, dates, grape molasses and rose water; used to make jallab tea

Churchkhela, a Georgian snack made from grape honey

Grape honey (in Arabic: Dabas) is a sweet, thick syrup made from grapes. It's very popular in the Middle East, Georgian, and Mediterranean cuisines. People often use it as a natural sweetener or a delicious spread.

What is Grape Honey?

Grape honey is not made by bees! It's a plant-based sweetener created by cooking down grape juice until it becomes thick and syrupy. It has a rich, sweet taste and a deep color, usually dark brown or amber. This natural syrup is a traditional food in many cultures, used for thousands of years.

How is Grape Honey Made?

Making grape honey is a simple but careful process:

• First, fresh grapes are pressed to get their juice.
• The grape juice is then slowly heated in large pots.
• As it heats, the water evaporates, making the juice thicker.
• The cooking continues until the juice turns into a thick, sticky syrup.
• Sometimes, a little bit of ash or clay is added during cooking. This helps to clarify the syrup and remove any bitterness.
• The finished grape honey is then cooled and stored.

Traditional Methods of Production

In many places, grape honey is still made using old, traditional methods. Farmers often use grapes from their own vineyards. The process can take many hours of slow cooking. This careful method helps to keep the natural flavors and nutrients of the grapes.

Where is Grape Honey Popular?

Grape honey is a staple in many parts of the world, especially:

• Middle East: It's widely used in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan.
• Mediterranean Region: You'll find it in Greece, Cyprus, and parts of Italy.
• Caucasus Region: It's very important in Georgia and Armenia.

Each region might have its own special name for grape honey. For example, in Arabic, it's called "Dabas" or "Dibis." In Georgia, it's often part of sweets like Churchkhela.

How is Grape Honey Used?

Grape honey is a versatile ingredient. People use it in many different ways:

• Sweetener: It's a natural alternative to sugar in drinks, desserts, and baked goods.
• Breakfast Spread: Many enjoy it drizzled over bread, pancakes, or yogurt.
• Desserts: It's a key ingredient in traditional sweets, like grape molasses cookies or puddings.
• Savory Dishes: Sometimes, it's used in savory dishes to add a touch of sweetness, like in glazes for meats.
• Energy Boost: Because it's full of natural sugars, it can provide a quick energy boost.

Popular Dishes with Grape Honey

• Jallab: A refreshing drink popular in the Middle East, often made with grape molasses, dates, and rose water.
• Churchkhela: A traditional Georgian candy. Nuts (like walnuts or hazelnuts) are strung together and then dipped repeatedly in thickened grape juice until they are coated in a chewy, sweet layer.
• Petimezi: The Greek name for grape molasses. It's used in many traditional Greek desserts and even as a dressing for salads.

History of Grape Honey

Grape honey has a long history, dating back thousands of years. Before sugar became widely available, grape honey was one of the main ways people sweetened their food. Ancient civilizations in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions likely discovered how to make it by cooking down grape juice. It was a valuable food source, especially in areas where grapes grew plentifully. This ancient tradition continues today, connecting us to the culinary practices of the past.