Turkish Sultana Vine Leaves in Brine

A tender leaf from the Aegean

Sultaniye - known internationally as Thompson Seedless - is the most widely planted grape variety in Türkiye's Aegean region. The vineyards that produce the leaves we ship are concentrated in Manisa province, in micro-regions around Salihli, Alaşehir, and Sarıgöl. Vines are trained on traditional pergolas and head-trained bushes; the leaf canopy is harvested separately from the table-grape and raisin programs.

The Aegean climate gives Sultana leaves a distinctive character: tender texture, even colour, and a leaf size that fits standard sarma and dolma production lines without trimming. For ready-meal manufacturers, the consistency of leaf size matters as much as the quality grade - it is what holds line speed predictable.

Harvest window and brining

Leaf harvest typically begins in mid-May and runs through late June, depending on the season's heat accumulation. Leaves picked too early lack structure; picked too late, they become tough at the central vein.

After harvest, leaves are:

1. Sorted and graded on-site
2. Washed in cold water
3. Stem-trimmed
4. Layered into food-grade containers with controlled salt brine
5. Closed and held under temperature-stable conditions until export

The brine concentration is dialled to keep the leaf pliable for at least 18 months at ambient storage.

Available in three quality grades

Turkish Sultana is available across all three Tuna Sourcing programs. The variety stays the same; what differs is the pesticide regime, the audit chain, and the certification scope.

Conventional

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

EU MRL compliant. ISO 9001 + ISO 22000 + ISO 14001 audit. Lead time 14-21 days from order confirmation.

View Conventional Vine Leaves range

Pesticide-Free

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

Every batch third-party tested for the EU MRL panel; results below limit of detection. ISO 9001 + ISO 22000 + ISO 14001 + 3rd-party lab audit. Lead time 21-28 days.

View Pesticide-Free Vine Leaves range

Organic Certified

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

EU Organic certified plus USDA NOP available on request. Audit chain on request. Lead time 28-42 days.

View Organic Certified Vine Leaves range

Common applications

Sultana leaves are particularly suited to:

• Stuffed grape leaves (dolma / sarma) production at industrial line speed
• Ready-meal manufacturing where leaf size consistency reduces trim waste
• Retail private-label programs in glass jars or pouches
• Catering and horeca volume programs

Frequently asked questions

Is Sultana the same as Thompson Seedless?

Yes. Sultaniye is the Turkish name for the same grape cultivar that is sold internationally as Thompson Seedless. The leaves carry the same botanical character regardless of which name your specification document uses.

How does Sultana compare to Tokat for cooking applications?

Sultana is tenderer and more even in size, which favours line-speed wrapping. Tokat is slightly thicker and holds its shape better under high-heat cooking. Many of our buyers blend the two depending on the end product.

Can I get a single-origin guarantee?

Yes. For repeat programs we run single-origin lots from a defined cooperative or estate. Specify single-origin in your inquiry and we will quote the lot premium and lead-time impact.

What sample sizes do you ship?

Standard pre-shipment samples are 1 - 2 Kg buckets. Larger evaluation samples (10 Kg) ship at cost. Specify the grade and we will include the matching certificate of analysis.

What is the typical shelf life?

18 months at ambient storage (10 - 25°C) in unopened original packaging. The product is shelf-stable; cold-chain is not required. Open containers should be kept refrigerated.

Request a quote

For Turkish Sultana vine leaves, send your spec via our contact page or message us on WhatsApp at +90 532 518 32 88. We reply within 24 hours with availability, FOB pricing, and a sample plan.