The Amasya cherry, derived from the Prunus avium L. “0900 Ziraat” variety, is a geographically indicated cherry type unique to Amasya province in Türkiye. Since the 1950s, it has been celebrated at local cherry festivals and was registered as a designation of origin on July 18, 2022, under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769.
Geographical Boundary and Climatic Characteristics
Amasya cherries are exclusively grown within the boundaries of Amasya province. The region lies in a transitional zone between the temperate Black Sea climate and the continental climate of Central Anatolia. The Yeşilırmak River and surrounding water sources, combined with the mountainous terrain and humid conditions, create a microclimate ideal for cherry cultivation. This climate minimizes water loss during ripening, maintains sweetness, and keeps fruit cracking below 3%. The east-west orientation of orchards ensures balanced sunlight exposure, while significant day-night temperature differences enhance fruit quality.
Distinctive Characteristics
Amasya cherries are known for their large, round, and broad heart-shaped fruits. The skin is red-toned, with pinkish flesh and juice. Their sweet flavor, firm flesh and large size distinguish them from other cherries. Flowering occurs in April, with harvesting from June to August. The cherries are grown at elevations of 200–1,200 meters in loamy, alluvial-rich soils.
Physical Characteristics
The physical attributes of Amasya cherries contribute to their distinctiveness:
- Soluble solids content: At least 15%
- Fruit weight: 8–10 g
- Pit weight: 0.4–0.7 g
- Stem weight: 0.1–0.15 g
- Fruit width: 23–28 mm
- Fruit height: 20–25 mm
- Stem length: 4–5 cm
- Flesh texture: Firm
- Skin color: Red and its shades
- Juice color: Pink and its shades
- Flesh color: Pink and its shades
- Fruit shape: Large, round, and broad heart-shaped
- Flowering period: April
- Cracking rate: Below 3%
- Harvest period: June to August
- Main pollinators: Starks Gold and Lambert
Production Method
Amasya cherries are propagated vegetatively, typically grafted onto mahaleb (Prunus L.) rootstocks. Seeds are sown in April–May, with grafting performed the following August–September. Grafted saplings are planted in orchards from autumn to spring with appropriate spacing. Recommended pollinators include Starks Gold and Lambert.
Pruning follows a modified leader or central leader system, with spur pruning preferred. Pruning is critical for sunlight exposure, disease resistance and yield, with equipment disinfected to prevent disease transmission.
Irrigation is done via drip or micro-sprinkler systems. Fertilization primarily uses aged farmyard manure, with potassium nitrate applied based on soil analysis. Soil aeration and weed control are achieved by tilling between rows in April–May.
Pest and disease management employs suitable plant protection products based on seasonal data and flowering conditions.
Harvest and Storage
Mature cherries are hand-picked with their stems to avoid damage to branches. They are placed in food-safe containers and stored in cool, odor-free, dry environments. Prompt delivery to consumers is prioritized, with an average storage duration of 15 days in cold storage.
Inspection
The production and use of the geographical indication for Amasya cherries are inspected at least once a year under the coordination of the Yeşilırmak Basin Development Union. The inspection body ensures compliance with production methods, harvest, and storage conditions. Non-compliance is reported to relevant individuals or entities, and inspection reports are submitted to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.
