Turkish Tokat Vine Leaves in Brine

A Black Sea regional specialty

The vineyards above the Yeşilırmak valley in Tokat province sit at a higher latitude and altitude than the Aegean Sultana belt. Cooler nights and a longer leaf-development window give Tokat leaves a noticeably thicker structure and deeper colour. Cooks who work the leaf at heat - in stuffed-leaf production, in oven-finished trays, in ready-meal pasteurisation - know the trade-off: Tokat is slightly less tender than Sultana but holds shape better under thermal load.

For procurement teams, that translates to lower breakage rates after cook step and a cleaner final-product appearance.

Harvest window and brining

The Tokat harvest typically runs late May through late June, lagging Aegean Türkiye by about a week. Cooperatives in Erbaa, Niksar, and Pazar are the regular sources. The brining protocol is identical to the Aegean program: cold wash, stem-trim, salt brine, sealed food-grade containers.

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 |

EU MRL compliant. ISO 9001 + ISO 22000 + ISO 14001 audit. Lead time 14-21 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 |

Third-party tested, residues below LOD. Lead time 21-28 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 |

EU Organic certified, USDA NOP on request. Lead time 28-42 days.

View Organic Certified Vine Leaves range

Common applications

• Stuffed leaves under heat (oven, retort pouch, glass-jar pasteurisation)
• Ready-meal manufacturing where final-product appearance after cook matters
• Catering programs that pre-cook in volume and reheat at service

Frequently asked questions

How does Tokat differ from Sultana in a production line?

Tokat is slightly thicker and tougher at the central vein, which makes it more forgiving under heat but slightly slower to wrap by hand. Automated wrap lines accept both with minor tension calibration.

Is single-origin Tokat available?

Yes, single-cooperative lots are available for repeat programs. Specify single-origin in your inquiry; we will quote the premium and lead-time impact.

Can I blend Tokat with Sultana?

Yes. Many ready-meal manufacturers run a 60/40 Tokat-Sultana blend to balance structure and tenderness. We can prepare the blend at packaging or ship separately for your in-line mixing.

What is the shelf life?

18 months at ambient storage in unopened original packaging. Cold-chain is not required.

Request a quote

Send your spec via our contact page or WhatsApp +90 532 518 32 88. Reply within 24 hours.