Syrian Baladi Vine Leaves in Brine

A traditional Damascus-countryside variety

Baladi - the Arabic word for "local" or "native" - is the term used for indigenous, non-Sultana grape cultivars common to the Damascus countryside and southern Syrian vineyards. Compared to the Sultana family, Baladi leaves are smaller, deeper green, and have a more defined vein structure. The taste profile is distinct: less neutral, with a stronger leaf character that traditional Levantine recipes are built around.

For retail brands selling into Middle Eastern consumer markets and diaspora communities, Baladi is often the variety specified when the product is positioned as authentic regional cuisine.

Sourcing approach

Like Syrian Sultani, Baladi is sourced through contract producer cooperatives with pre-shipment quality control at the consolidation point. Volume is naturally smaller than the Sultana programs - Baladi vineyards are less industrially scaled - so we recommend booking volume contracts well ahead of consumer-facing campaigns.

Harvest window and brining

Harvest runs April through May, typically earlier than Sultani due to the lower altitude. Standard wet-brine preservation; shelf-stable 18 months at ambient.

Available in three quality grades

Conventional

| Parameter | Value | |---|---| | Whole Leaves Ratio | 95% (min) | | Slightly Damaged Leaves | Max 4% | | Broken Leaves | Max 1% | | Brown Leaves / Holes / Spots | Max 3% | | Branch Stems | Max 0.05% | | Appearance | Golden Yellow with deeper green tint |

EU MRL compliant. Lead time 21-28 days.

View Conventional Vine Leaves range

Pesticide-Free

| Parameter | Value | |---|---| | Whole Leaves Ratio | 95% (min) | | Slightly Damaged Leaves | Max 5% | | Broken Leaves | Max 1% | | Brown Leaves / Holes / Spots | Max 3% | | Branch Stems | Max 2% | | Appearance | Golden Yellow with deeper green tint |

Third-party tested. Lead time 28-35 days.

View Pesticide-Free Vine Leaves range

Organic Certified

| Parameter | Value | |---|---| | Whole Leaves Ratio | 95% (min) | | Slightly Damaged Leaves | Max 5% | | Broken Leaves | Max 1% | | Brown Leaves / Holes / Spots | Max 4% | | Branch Stems | Max 2% | | Appearance | Golden Yellow, Brown with green undertone |

EU Organic certified at consolidation point. Lead time 35-49 days.

View Organic Certified Vine Leaves range

Common applications

• Authentic Levantine ready-meals (yalanji, warak enab)
• Retail private-label programs for Middle Eastern diaspora markets
• Restaurant supply for regional cuisine concepts

Frequently asked questions

How is Baladi different from Sultani?

Sultani is a Sultana-family cultivar - tender, mid-sized, neutral profile. Baladi is a separate indigenous variety - smaller, deeper green, distinct leaf character. They are not interchangeable for recipes that name one or the other.

Is Baladi widely available year-round?

Baladi volume is naturally smaller than the Sultana programs. We recommend booking volume contracts ahead of peak consumer seasons (e.g., Ramadan retail programs). We can blend with Sultani as a stretch strategy if Baladi-only stock runs short.

What pack format is most common for Baladi?

Retail programs typically take 10 Kg or 20 Kg buckets; ready-meal manufacturers prefer 150 Kg or 180 Kg drums for line efficiency.

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Send your spec via our contact page or WhatsApp +90 532 518 32 88.