40 samples of tahini halva from 5 different firms, in 4 distinct varieties—plain, hazelnut, carob, and vanilla—were gathered for this study from producers in the provinces of Balikesir and Bursa as well as from commercial markets. Samples were taken from two different lot numbers for each company. As a result of the analyzes made on the tahini halva samples, it was determined that the total amount of sesame oil varied between 24.67-38.87%, the total amount of tahini ranged between 59.34-69.7%, the total moisture amount was between 0.1-0.9%, the total ash amount was 0.089-3.16%, and the total salt amount was between 0.001-0.024%; as a result of microbiological cultivations in which the presence of yeast and mold were analyzed, an average of 10 cfu/g in plain tahini halva samples, an average of 90 cfu/g in hazelnut tahini halva samples, an average of 45 cfu/g in carob tahini halva samples, and an average of 25 cfu/g in vanilla tahini halva samples were determined. All samples of tahini halva were found to be free of contamination with Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. When all of these findings were taken into consideration, it was found that one of the sampled firms did not produce in accordance with the Turkish Food Codex Communique on Tahini Halva (2015/28) in terms of total sesame oil (%) and ash content (%) of two companies. Combined, the findings of the chemical and microbiological analyses indicate that 85% of the samples were prepared in line with the TFC.

Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is one of the oldest trees in the world and has been cultivated from civilization of Ancient Persia, especially on the Mediterranean coasts, till nowadays. The fruit of the carob tree (carob bean) are attracting attention in recent years due among others to tits rich nutritional value and use as a substitute and/or alternative for cocoa. Although it has higher sugar content than sugar beet and sugar cane, it is a food that also lowers cholesterol. In addition to its fruit, the plant has interesting morphological qualities. Deep root system of carob tree allows high productivity even in draught conditions; it is an ideal plant in the fight against erosion and one of the most preferred plants while establishing fire-resistant forests. Additionally, because 2016 was declared the International Year of Pulses, it is necessary to draw attention to the carob tree since it is a typical pulse plant. The status of Turkey, as the 5th carob producer in the world, was analysed in this context, in terms of Agricultural Geography. The existing and necessary practices in carob production are discussed based on the data from the studies conducted in Antalya and Mersin in 2015 and previous ones.