It was aimed to determine the phenolic compounds, mineral matters, antioxidant activities, ash, protein and color values of pine cone molasses. In conclusion, total sugar contents in pine cone molasses ranged from 69.86 to 73.14%. In terms of the minerals, molasses was rich in K and Ca, while the lowest contents of Se and Zn were found in pine cone molasses. The phenolic contents varied from 1294.1 to 1466.4 mg/L, and DPPH (%) changed between 69.44 and 78.61 for P. nigra and P. brutia molasses, respectively. The pH values varied from 3.91 to 4.24, and total acidity changed between 2.74 and 2.99%. The viscosity varied from 270.4 to 368.8 mPa.s, and L* values varied from 19.77 to 23.91, respectively. a* values were established between 6.77 and 8.41, while b* values are found between 5.99 and 6.74. The K, Ca, Mg, P and Mn contents of all the molasses samples have been detected at high levels. Oil yields were 0.178–0.192 (w/w, %) for pine cone molasses. α-terpineol was the main constituent in molasses and varied from 1863.4 to 1944.2 at a ppm level. The sizes not affected the physicochemical properties of molasses. L* and a* values followed zero order, and b* values followed first order kinetics. The pine cone molasses represent a potentially significant source of minerals, total sugars, essential oils and phenolic compunds. Nowadays, consumer interest and demand for potentially health-promoting products have motivated the production of healty food products, so these pine cone molasses (pekmez) are introduced as potentially healthy products of which the production stages and conditions that may advise the industrial production of cone molasses.

Novelty impact statement

The pine cones have a source of minerals especially Ca and K, essential oils (terpenes) and phenolic compunds. The pine cone molasses (pekmez) of P. nigra and P. brutia are introduced as potentially healthy products, and zero and color kinetic parameters of molasses followed zero and first order.