ALEPPO — The Salqin area in the western countryside of Idlib, northwest Syria, is famous for its pomegranates. The area has fertile soil and irrigation water is available, especially in the town of Darkush, on the banks of the Orontes River.

The harvest period extends through October and November. The harvesting and processing of pomegranates provide job opportunities for hundreds of people in the region and a good  income for farmers.

After selling part of the crop, pomegranate farmers in Darkush and other towns turn the rest into a thick syrup known as pomegranate molasses that has a sweet and tangy flavor. The molasses is a basic ingredient in the pantry of every Syrian home. It is added to most dishes such as grilled meat and chicken and vegetable salads.

However, pomegranate farmers in the western countryside of Idlib face many obstacles. The crop is sold at low prices locally because of the difficulty of exporting it. A kilogram of pomegranates in opposition-controlled areas in the countryside of Aleppo and Idlib is sold at three Turkish liras, equivalent to 35 cents, according to the prevailing exchange rates.