Alanya Keçiboynuzu / Alanya Harnub

Alanya Carob (Alanya Harnup) is a long, straight fruit with a brown shell belonging to the species Ceratonia siliqua, cultivated within the boundaries of the Alanya district in Antalya Province, Türkiye. The region’s mild climate, with annual temperatures never falling below 20 °C, and its terra rossa-type nutrient-poor soils provide an ideal growing environment compatible with the plant’s drought-resistant deep root system. Alanya carob is distinguished by its dark brown outer shell, light brown interior, structure containing 13–15 seeds, and high sucrose content; it is evaluated both as a processed and unprocessed fruit and vegetable product.

Alanya carob (Türk Patent)

Registration

Alanya carob, also known as Alanya Harnup, is the fruit of a plant belonging to the species Ceratonia siliqua, produced exclusively within the boundaries of the Alanya district in Antalya Province, Türkiye. The product was registered as a geographical indication on 26 February 2025 under registration number 1705; the application was submitted on 17 April 2024 under application number C2024/000134. The registering institution is the Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the use of the geographical indication requires the presence of the official emblem alongside the phrase “Alanya Carob / Alanya Harnup” on the product or its packaging. If this cannot be placed directly on the product or packaging, the phrase and emblem must be visibly displayed within the production facility.

Geographical Boundary and Climate Characteristics

The Alanya district has a climate with an average annual temperature not falling below 20 °C; summer temperatures can rise up to 35 °C. The region’s mild winter conditions make it suitable for the cultivation of carob, a plant sensitive to frost. The average annual rainfall is approximately 515 mm, with an average of 119.7 rainy days per year. Alanya’s soil is of the terra rossa type; although these soils are not rich in minerals, they provide a suitable growing medium for the carob plant. Thanks to its deep root system, the plant can thrive under dry conditions and limited water availability.

Physical and Chemical Properties

The physical properties of Alanya carob are as follows:

• Fruit weight: 28.8–41.8 g
• Fruit length: 191–218 mm
• Fruit width: 23–28 mm
• Pod wall thickness: 7.5–11 mm
• Fruit shell color: Dark brown
• Fruit interior color: Light brown
• Number of seeds: 13–15

Chemical properties:

• Ash content: 2.41–2.86% (g/100 g)
• Total fixed fat content: 0.12–0.25% (g/100 g)
• Sucrose: 30.05–32.55%
• Glucose: 1.96–2.85%
• Fructose: 1.79–2.53%

Production Method

Alanya carob production is primarily achieved through natural means; however, plantation-style orchards and nursery cultivation methods are also used to establish cultivation areas.

Planting

Grafted saplings are planted in early spring. After being transferred from greenhouse to nursery conditions, saplings must be inspected for aphids on new shoots, red spider mites, and mealybugs. During the feeding phase, NPK fertilizer and organic matter support are provided. For the planting area, crizma treatment is preferred; if this is not feasible, trenching with a spade is essential for healthy sapling development. It is recommended to apply well-composted livestock manure and base fertilizer at planting. Saplings must have no root damage; the taproot must remain intact for healthy growth. Planting is generally carried out in autumn on barren land and in spring on irrigable land. Care must be taken not to disturb the root ball or plant too deeply. After planting, watering is essential, and irrigation should be adjusted according to rainfall in autumn plantings. A spacing of 5x5 meters allows approximately 40 saplings per hectare. Irrigation after planting must be adjusted according to climate and soil conditions over the first two years. NPK, trace elements, and organic matter supplements should be applied during the initial years.

Pruning

When saplings reach a height of one meter, the tops are cut to form a canopy. Subsequently, inward-growing branches are removed and the goblet pruning system is applied. Chemical spraying is generally not practiced. Irrigation, where possible, is important for healthy tree development; irrigation levels can influence the color and sugar content of the fruit pulp.

Sapling Production from Seed

To enable grafting, seedlings must first be grown from seeds. The hard and impermeable shell of carob seeds hinders germination. After germination, it takes approximately 1.5–2 years for the seedlings to reach a diameter of 10 mm suitable for grafting. The success rate of grafting depends on the grafting method, timing, seedling diameter, and timely implementation of cultural practices.

Seed Preparation and Germination

Alanya carob seeds (delice kernels) are soaked in chlorine-free water for six hours; floating seeds are removed, and those that sink are placed in germination trays lined with moist cloth, paper towel, or peat for one week. The cloths must remain continuously moist, and the trays must be covered with plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Fresh, one-year-old seeds are preferred for germination. Two to three seeds are placed in small pots, and only the most vigorous seedlings are retained. Germinated seedlings with two leaves are transferred to plastic bags measuring 15x25x34 cm. When seedlings reach pencil thickness, grafting is performed using the whip-and-tongue method, cleft grafting, or English cleft grafting. Grafting is carried out between late November and late March. After grafting, seedlings typically take 20–30 days to sprout, and in spring, shoots reach a length of 10–15 cm.

Fertilization and Pest Control

Two annual treatments are applied to control the carob moth pest.

Harvesting and Storage

Harvesting of Alanya carob occurs in September–October. Harvested fruits are packed in crates of 15 kg or sacks of 20–25 kg. Fruits must be stored in dry, low-humidity environments at temperatures between 15–20 °C. Storage humidity must not exceed 60%. The product is not subjected to any cooling or heating during storage.

Geographical Boundary and Production Link

Alanya carob is intrinsically linked to the Alanya district, and all stages of production must occur within this geographical boundary. The product holds a deeply rooted place in the region’s agricultural economy.

Inspection and Control

Inspection of Alanya carob is conducted under the coordination of the Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The inspection body consists of a three-member committee composed of experts from the Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Alanya Agricultural Chamber, and the Alanya District Directorate of Agriculture.

Inspections are carried out at least once annually. Additional inspections may be conducted upon receipt of complaints or as needed. Inspection reports are prepared in accordance with Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property and are submitted annually by the Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.

During inspections, compliance with the correct use of the geographical indication, adherence to production methods, and conditions of harvesting, ripening, storage, and preservation are reviewed. If non-compliance is detected, necessary corrective measures are communicated to the relevant individual, institution, or organization. Support or services may be obtained from public or private institutions or expert individuals during the inspection process. The institution holding the registration rights to the geographical indication has the authority to initiate legal proceedings to protect these rights.