Grape is the oldest and most important source of income in the Thrace Region. Even in ancient sources, Kırklareli is referred to as “lozengrad”, which means “grape city”. In the past, the grapes grown in the vast vineyards in and around Kırklareli were used in wine production by the Greek and Jewish minorities, in the production of must, vinegar, molasses, fruit pulp, and the leaves were imported to European countries. Hardaliye is thought to have emerged by chance for the first time in the Ottoman period, when mustard seeds and other additives were added to increase the durability of grape must. The first hardaliye, on the other hand, appeared in Istanbul in the 1900s under the brand name “Kırk Kilise Hardaliye”.
Calories and Nutritional Value of Hardali
Quantity: 100 gr.
Calories (kcal): 75.54
Fat (g): 0.20
Carbs (g): 17.53
Protein: 0
Benefits of Hardaliye
We know that some nutrients, which are found in different forms in each fruit, have antioxidant properties and are beneficial in protecting from some diseases. Grape also has such a protective effect thanks to the polyphenols in its structure. Polyphenols are found in many different forms in the structure of grapes. The most common flavonoids such as catechin, quercetin and anthocyanins and polyphenols in the form of resveratrol are found in the grape structure.
Clinical studies show that the antioxidant effect in grapes and beverages derived from grapes is due to these polyphenols in its composition. Again, studies show that beverages obtained from red grapes by fermentation contain much higher polyphenols than grape juice. Among these fermented grape juice products, hardaliye is a product that can appeal to a much larger number of people because it is non-alcoholic. With its taste, it can also be an attractive beverage for young children. As a fat-free and salt-free, but extremely nutritious and additive-free beverage, it is used in milk allergy, cholesterol problem, vegetarian diets, blood pressure diseases and hardaliye during pregnancy a valuable food source.
1. Protects from cardiovascular diseases
Hardaliye gains cholesterol and blood pressure lowering properties thanks to the polyphenols in the composition of grape, which is its raw material. It protects from cardiovascular diseases by eliminating the effects of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
2. Maintains the body’s mineral balance
Grapes contain high amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron minerals. Although their number is low, studies on hardaliye show that these minerals, which are also found in the structure of hardaliye, can restore the deteriorated mineral balance of the body. Thus, it eliminates complaints such as cramps, hair loss, nail breakage, osteoporosis, and joint pains due to mineral deficiency.
3. Protects from cancer
Hardaliye is made from dark grapes. The darker the color of the fruit, the more phenol it contains. The abundance of phenols also indicates that the antioxidant effect is high. The phenol compound that also gives grapes its acrid taste is a pigment called quercetin. Many studies on quercetin show that this component encourages cancer cells to die naturally, thus preventing their uncontrolled proliferation.
4. Protects from diseases caused by microbes
Hardaliye is obtained as a result of fermentation that occurs thanks to the large number of lactic acid bacteria in its structure. Lactic acid fermentation increases the acidity of hardaliye. Thus, hardaliye, which gains antimicrobial properties, protects the body from microbial diseases and related infections.
5. Delays the effects of aging
Today, we know that the basis of many metabolic diseases, especially diabetes and atherosclerosis, is tissue and organ deterioration caused by systems called free radicals. Antioxidants prevent the deterioration of organs and tissues by eliminating the toxic effects of free radicals. There are some mechanisms in the human body to prevent the formation or damage of free radicals, but they are not always sufficient. We need to get some antioxidants through food. Hardaliye is also a valuable source with its antioxidant properties thanks to the polyphenols in its composition.
How to Consume Hardaliye?
Hardaliye can be drunk cold or at room temperature, with meals or alone. It can be mixed with soda or water. It is also used to flavor salads.
How Much Should Hardaliye Be Consumed?
Just 1 glass of mustard meets 4% of an adult’s daily energy needs. Hardaliye, which also has the effect of keeping you full, makes you feel more fit all day.
Dark colored and fragrant grapes are preferred in making Hardaliye. In the past, it was made with priest black and pamit grapes, but today hardaliye production trials are carried out with other grape varieties. The grapes are collected at the time of their ripeness, at the vintage. It is crushed lightly so that only the shells crack. A row of grapes, a row of cherry leaves, a row of mustard seeds (again slightly cracked) are stacked on top of each other as much as the size of the container in which they are placed allows. Considering that it will swell while waiting, some space is left at the mouth of the container. Traditionally, oak barrels or earthen jars with a spout near the bottom are preferred. Thanks to this tap, 2-3 days after the grapes are sorted, the must collected under the barrel is taken and poured over the grapes. The temperature of the environment where the barrel will stand should not be too high or too low, it should be about 20-25 degrees. Hardaliye, kept in this way, becomes drinkable in approximately 20 days. Before drinking, it is necessary to filter the residue consisting of shells and seeds.
Hardaliye Harmful
Hardaliye is a beverage that is not very well known outside of the Thrace Region, where it is traditionally produced. The number of special studies and research on Hardaliye is very few. We get most of our knowledge from studies on grapes. Since there is no data on the harms of grapes and grape products obtained by fermentation, we cannot talk about the harms of hardaliye. However, it should be taken into account that each body may have a different tolerance to each nutrient. Naturally when grapes and fermentation are involved is hardaliye alcoholic The question will come to your mind, right? Hardaliye is not alcoholic. Mustard seeds added to grapes during production prevent the grapes from fermenting and turning into alcohol. Here, the fermentation of grapes is a chemical reaction, like the transformation of milk into cheese. We hope that research on hardaliye will increase in the near future and its use will spread throughout the country.