The Acıpayam melon is a local melon variety cultivated for many years in the Acıpayam district of Denizli province, Türkiye, distinguished by its fiberless texture, high water content and sweet aroma. Registered as a designation of origin on September 29, 2025, this product holds a long-standing place in the region’s agricultural identity.

Product Characteristics

The Acıpayam melon is oval-shaped and non-ribbed. Its rind is green when unripe and turns yellow at full maturity, featuring longitudinal grooves and ridges. The average fruit weighs 4–6 kg, with a diameter of 17–21 cm and a length of 28–35 cm. The rind thickness ranges from 0.9–1.3 cm and the flesh thickness from 6.5–8 cm. The fruit is fiberless, juicy, and has a Brix value between 9.45 and 11.40, indicating a notable level of sweetness.

The seeds are oval-elliptical, light to dark yellow, with 30–50 seeds per gram, maintaining viability for 5–8 years. The plant is vigorous, developing 3–4 main branches. The leaves are five-lobed with serrated edges; young leaves are deeply indented, while mature leaves have a shiny green upper surface and a matte green underside. The flowers are monoecious, with one flower per node; the first flowers are male, while female flowers develop from the 7th to 9th node.

Production Method

Acıpayam melon cultivation is carried out either by direct seeding or transplanting seedlings grown in trays. Due to limited water resources in the region, direct seeding is the more common method. Sowing takes place from late April to early May, either by seeder or in planting holes. For seedling production, seeds are sown in trays from late March to early April and transplanted after 40–45 days.

Soil preparation begins with deep plowing in November, followed by surface tillage and base fertilization in spring. Maintenance includes thinning, row cultivation and hoeing until the vine elongation stage. Drip irrigation is used from fruit set until enlargement; in dry farming, the flavor becomes more pronounced.

For pest control, integrated pest management is recommended, particularly against the melon fly. Crop rotation is practiced, with a minimum two-year interval before replanting in the same field. Winter vegetables and field crops are preferred as preceding plants.

Harvest and Storage

Harvest begins in the second half of August and is typically completed in 2–3 rounds. Average yield is 7–8 kg per plant, corresponding to 6–7 tons per decare. In addition to fresh consumption, Acıpayam melons can be hung and stored until mid-January.

Geographical Relation and Inspection

Production of the Acıpayam melon is limited exclusively to the Acıpayam district. Seeds are locally sourced by producers from their own crops, strengthening the product’s link to its geographical origin.

Inspections are conducted at least once a year under the coordination of the Acıpayam District Governorship. The audits focus on compliance with production methods, physical and sensory properties, and correct use of the designation of geographical indication.