Demirci Hünnabı

Demirci hünnap is a local variety of Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cultivated under the specific soil and climatic conditions of the Demirci district in Manisa Province. It has been officially registered with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office under the designation “Place of Origin” and granted geographical indication protection under Registry No: 508 dated 22 July 2020.

Demirci Hünnap (Demirci Municipality)

Product Description and Distinctive Characteristics

Demirci hünnap is obtained from deciduous trees that reach a height of 4–5 metres and produce yellow, fragrant flowers in April–May. The fruits initially appear olive green and turn dark red as they mature. This sweet and juicy fruit can be consumed both fresh and dried.

The trees prefer sandy-loamy and calcareous soils. They are resistant to water stress and extreme heat. Fruits ripen in autumn. Since no diseases or pests have been observed on the trees, chemical spraying is not applied, and chemical fertilizers are unnecessary in nutrient-rich soils.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Demirci Hünnap (Turkish Patent)

Production Method

Propagation Methods

• By seed: Seeds are prepared for germination through sanding, acid treatment, or direct shell cracking. Germination takes 90–120 days, with the shell-cracking method yielding the highest success rate.
• By root cutting: Cuttings taken from basal shoots can be planted directly in the field or grown in pots.
• By grafting: Eye or whip grafting is performed on trees with reduced yield or those to be rejuvenated. Grafting scions are selected from second-year shoots of high-yielding trees. Grafting is carried out at the end of winter or beginning of spring.

Planting and Cultivation

• Seedlings or cuttings are planted during winter months at a minimum spacing of 5x5 metres.
• Well-composted animal manure is used in soil preparation.
• Pruning is applied during the first three years to establish a goblet training system.
• Irrigation enhances yield and quality, though the trees exhibit high tolerance to water stress. Drip or sprinkler irrigation methods are employed.

Harvesting and Drying Process

Harvesting takes place in September after the fruits have fully ripened. Due to the thorny nature of the trees, the fruit is collected using poles or mechanical shaking. Fruits intended for drying are left to dry in the shade for approximately one week, preserving both fruit and tree health.

Demirci Hünnap Harvest (Demirci Municipality)

Geographical Boundary and Monitoring

Demirci hünnap is cultivated exclusively within the boundaries of the Demirci district in Manisa Province. Monitoring activities are conducted by a four-member committee composed of representatives from the Demirci Chamber of Agriculture, Demirci District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Demirci Municipality, and Demirci Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the coordination of the Demirci Chamber of Agriculture. Inspections are carried out at least once annually.