Giresun Round Hazelnut

Giresun Tombul Fındığı is a hazelnut variety native to Türkiye’s Black Sea region and registered under its place of origin name. This product is primarily cultivated in the coastal areas of Giresun Province and Trabzon, and distinguishes itself from other hazelnut varieties by its round shape, thin shell, high yield, and distinctive aroma. The kernel is characterized by an easily peelable membrane, high oil and protein content, making it suitable for consumption both raw and roasted. The variety requires specific climatic, soil, and pollination conditions for cultivation.

Giresun Tombul Fındığı (AA)

Distinctive Characteristics

Giresun Tombul Fındığı belongs to the species Corylus avellana and is protected under geographical indication status. It possesses unique physical, chemical and sensory attributes that differentiate it from other varieties. Its shelled fruits are classified with a roundness index of 1.11, have an average weight of 1.46 grams and a shell thickness of 1.01 millimeters. The kernel yield is 52.4 percent, with approximately 670 to 730 shelled fruits per kilogram. The average size of shelled fruits is 16.3 millimeters, with length, width and thickness measuring 17.2 mm, 16.5 mm and 15.4 mm respectively.

The kernel itself is distinguished by its unique taste and aroma. It has a roundness index of 1.07 and an average weight of 0.96 grams. Its dimensions are 13.8 mm in length, 13.1 mm in width and 12.6 mm in thickness. Kernel size is 6 mm or larger. The kernel membrane (testa) is hairless with a peelability rate of 96.6 percent. Oil content is 63.82 percent and protein content is 16.92 percent. These characteristics determine the product’s suitability for consumption in both raw and roasted forms. The shell is brown and glossy in color, with a lobed surface and a slightly hairy tip. Fruits grow in clusters known as “çotanak,” with an average of 3.45 fruits per cluster. The husks (the green outer covering of the hazelnut) are long, tapering toward the tip, and have a distinctly fringed structure.

Giresun Tombul Fındığı (Hazelnut Research Institute Directorate)

Growth Conditions and Agricultural Properties

Giresun Tombul Fındığı is cultivated in areas up to 550 meters above sea level under temperate climatic conditions. The optimal annual temperature range is 13–16 °C, with a minimum tolerance of -5 °C and a maximum of 35 °C. The total heat requirement varies between 2284 °C and 2572 °C, with an average daily temperature of 20 °C. Annual rainfall must exceed 700 mm and be evenly distributed throughout the year. Relative humidity must not fall below 60 percent during June and July.

Regarding soil properties, the plant thrives in soils with no high water table, a loamy-humus structure, and a pH between 5 and 7. The plant structure takes the form known as “ocak,” consisting of a bushy cluster of 5–6 branches, each 2–3 meters in height and 5–10 cm in diameter. This morphological structure directly influences fruit yield and pollination efficiency.

Pollination and Pollinators

Giresun Tombul Fındığı is a monoecious plant, meaning male and female flowers occur on the same plant but in different parts. Male flowers (püs) and female flowers (karanfil) bloom in January. Pollination occurs when these two flower types develop simultaneously, and fertilization is completed 3–5 months later. To enhance productivity in orchards, auxiliary pollinators such as Palaz, Mincane, Foşa and Kalınkara varieties must be present at a ratio of 8–12 percent. Consistent pollination using a single pollinator variety is essential for maintaining quality standards.

Geographical Boundaries and Protection

The registered production area for Giresun Tombul Fındığı is limited to the coastal strip of Giresun Province and the districts of Beşikdüzü and Vakfıkebir in Trabzon. As a protected geographical indication, only products grown, processed, packaged and marketed within these boundaries may be labeled as “Giresun Tombul Fındığı.” Producers must provide documentation proving that their cultivation occurs within these geographical limits in order to use the name “Giresun Tombul Fındığı” on packaging.

Giresun Tombul Fındığı (Culture Portal)

Registration and Monitoring Process

The monitoring process for Giresun Tombul Fındığı is carried out by a monitoring body established under the coordination of the Limited Liability Hazelnut Sales Cooperatives Union (Fiskobirlik). This body consists of six members: three from Fiskobirlik (one serving as commission chair), one from the Hazelnut Research Institute Directorate, one from the Giresun Chamber of Commerce, and one from Giresun University. The monitoring body meets at least twice annually and may convene additionally in response to complaints or specific needs.

Monitoring activities cover all stages from production to marketing. Data on production areas, plant development, farmer information, processing and sales are regularly recorded. Tracking and monitoring of these processes are managed by Fiskobirlik, which also performs secretarial duties. The primary objective of monitoring is to ensure product traceability and maintain an operational tracking system.

The monitoring body provides necessary information and guidance to stakeholders in the production chain, particularly producers, to ensure compliance with national and international quality standards. It also issues recommendations when conformity checks are required. The development of the product is monitored through pre- and post-season observations, and its conformity to the physical characteristics specified in the registration certificate is evaluated.

Due to its geographical indication protection, the product must be produced, processed, packaged and stored within the registered geographical boundaries. If any packaging bears the statement “Contains Giresun Tombul Fındığı,” the relevant business must document this claim and provide records detailing the supplier, date and quantity of procurement. Additionally, the geographical indication logo must be visibly displayed on product packaging or at sales points. The correct use of this logo is also under the supervision of the monitoring body.

The monitoring body may utilize the services of public institutions, private organizations or expert individuals and entities as needed during monitoring activities. Furthermore, legal proceedings related to the protection of the product are also managed by this body.

Giresun Tombul Fındığı (Culture Portal)