Edremit Green Scratched Olive is a table olive variety cultivated in the Aegean Region, particularly in the Edremit district of Balıkesir, a prominent olive-producing area in Türkiye, and has gained fame for its unique processing methods. In addition to traditional production techniques, this product stands out with its distinctive taste, physical structure, and cultural significance, becoming both a livelihood source for the local population and gaining national recognition by receiving a geographical indication.
History and Origin
Edremit Green Scratched Olive is a type of olive native to the Edremit district, located on the Aegean coast of Balıkesir province in western Türkiye. Edremit boasts fertile lands extending from the foothills of Mount Ida to the Aegean Sea and climate conditions highly suitable for olive cultivation. As one of the centers of agricultural production since ancient times, Edremit is particularly known for its olive-growing tradition. The first traces of olive trees in the region date back to the 5th century BC, demonstrating how deeply rooted olives are in the lives of the local people.
Edremit Green Scratched Olive (AA)
Production Methods
Edremit Green Scratched Olive is a product meticulously processed, especially by hand-picking. Harvested olives are scratched or lightly crushed to make them suitable for fermentation. Then, they are kept in brine with specific proportions of salt, citric acid, and water. This process both reduces the fruit's bitterness and allows its unique aroma to develop. These traditional methods give the olive a unique taste and high-quality consumption value.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Edremit Green Scratched Olive has a large-grained, thin-skinned, and fleshy structure. The fruit pulp is firm, and the pit easily separates from the pulp. Chemically, it stands out with its low oil content and high organic acid content. Furthermore, since the olives are processed through a natural fermentation process, they are also valuable in terms of probiotics.
Geographical Indication Registration
Edremit Green Scratched Olive was registered as a "designation of origin" by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office in 2017. This registration indicates that the olive is produced only in a specific geographical area and that its quality derives from the natural and human factors unique to that region. Geographical indication protection has enabled local producers to protect their products from imitations and gain competitive power in the market.
Economic Contributions
Olive cultivation is the backbone of agriculture in Edremit and its surroundings. The registration and branding of Edremit Green Scratched Olive have made significant contributions to the regional economy. It has become a sought-after product in both domestic and export markets, increasing the income level of local producers and indirectly contributing to regional tourism.
Edremit Green Scratched Olive (AA)
Social and Cultural Significance
Edremit Green Scratched Olive is not merely an agricultural product, but also a way of life for the people of the region. Olive harvesting periods are celebrated with local festivals, and traditional production techniques are maintained through knowledge passed down from generation to generation. This ensures that the product holds not only economic but also cultural value.
Environmental Factors and Sustainability
The unique climatic conditions of the Gulf of Edremit, wind directions, and humid air from the sea directly affect olive production. These natural conditions are crucial for sustainable agriculture. However, increasing urbanization, climate change, and unconscious agricultural practices threaten the future of olive groves.
