The Göynük Bombay Bean is a variety of Phaseolus coccineus L. with a climbing growth habit, late development, and hypogeal (germinating underground) characteristics. It was registered as a “designation of origin” on January 2, 2018 and is protected under Industrial Property Law No. 6769. The registration was carried out by the Göynük Chamber of Agriculture.
Geographical Area
The cultivation areas include Göynük district and villages in Bolu, as well as the neighboring Taraklı district (Sakarya) villages of Duman, Pirler, Hacıaliler, and Akçapınar; and the villages of Çamoluk, Ormanpınar, and Gelinözü in Mudurnu (Bolu) district. The region has transitional climate characteristics rather than a pure Black Sea climate, which directly influences the beans’ adaptation and quality traits.
Distinctive Features
The Göynük Bombay Bean is easily distinguished from other bean types by its large, glossy white seeds. The pods are elongated, thick, and slightly rough, with stiff veins. It is not suitable for consumption as fresh beans and is primarily preferred for piyaz (bean salad), often served in fine dining establishments.
Due to its relatively thick pods, the cooking time is long (55–63 minutes). For best results, it is recommended to cook over low heat or to separate the pods after boiling. The beans’ size, glossiness, aroma, and flavor make them appealing in both domestic and international markets.
Botanical Characteristics
- Growth habit: Fully climbing
- Plant height: 200–400 cm
- Leaf color: Green
- Flower color: White
- Pod shape: Arc-shaped
- Pod color: Dark straw (light green when unripe)
- Pod dimensions: Length 7.8–16.9 cm; Width 2.1–2.7 cm
- Seed dimensions: Length 2.2–2.8 cm; Width 1.3–1.9 cm
- Yield: 400–1200 kg/da
- 100-seed weight: 154.54–231.37 g
- Mechanized harvesting suitability: Not suitable
Technological Properties
- Dry weight: 53.72–56.12 g
- Fresh weight: 117.82–121.22 g
- Water absorption capacity: 0.550–0.750 g/seed
- Swelling capacity: 0.590–0.630 ml/seed
- Protein content: 21.85–23.6%
Production Method
Sowing occurs between May and June. Fields are plowed in autumn using animal manure and prepared before planting with a combination of harrow and rake. Beans are sown manually in furrows at a depth of 3–4 cm and 13–18 cm apart, with 80–100 cm between rows. During the season, at least 13–15 irrigations are performed using flood irrigation.
In mid-June, poles are placed using local poplar prunings and forest materials. Mature pods are harvested individually in August, sun-dried, and blended by hand or low-speed threshers. Harvest continues until frost in late autumn. Seed beans are selected from the largest pods.
Inspection
The product is supervised by the Göynük District Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Göynük Municipality, Agricultural Credit Cooperative, and the Göynük Branch of the Headmen’s Association. Inspections take place in early August in the field, checking morphological traits and compliance with the production method. Additional inspections may be conducted if necessary.
