The Gürsu Deveci Pear, belonging to the species Pyrus communis, is a pear variety native to the Gürsu district of Bursa province, located in the northwestern part of Türkiye. This product was registered with a "designation of origin" on September 10, 2019, and has been placed under geographical indication protection. The registration process was carried out by the Gürsu Chamber of Agriculture. Although the Deveci pear was first cultivated in the Salihli district of Manisa, the variety grown in Gürsu has acquired unique characteristics thanks to the region’s special soil and climate conditions.

^{Gürsu Deveci Pear (Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Journal)}

Distinctive Features

The Gürsu Deveci Pear has distinctive characteristics in terms of both its physical and biochemical properties. The surface of the fruit is slightly uneven and flattened, with a broad bottom. The skin color is yellowish with slight pinkish tones on the sun-exposed sides. The outer peel is thin; the flesh is white, shiny, and crisp. It is juicy, sweet, and low in acidity, and does not become overly soft when ripe. The average fruit weight ranges between 355 and 397 grams.

Biochemically, it contains a high level of water-soluble dry matter (14.091–14.981%). It also contains a high amount of total phenolic compounds (1.068–1.173 mg/100 g), resulting in slow ripening and a unique aroma profile. Among the 25 different aroma compounds identified in its composition, esters form the majority; hexyl acetate, in particular, stands out with a rate of 26.5%.

Cultivation Conditions

The Gürsu Deveci Pear is cultivated in the fertile alluvial soils of the Bursa Plain. These soils are deep, permeable, warm, and rich in organic matter. In the region’s dominant temperate climate, the average annual temperature is 14.4°C, and the annual rainfall is about 711 mm. During the trees’ winter dormancy period, they require a total chilling time of 1,000–1,500 hours between 0–7.2°C. The trees, which grow at a moderate rate, have a spreading crown structure and are classified as winter pears. The ripening period corresponds to the second and third weeks of October.

Growth and Harvest Process

The trees bloom in the second and third weeks of April. Fruit development begins in the last week of April and continues until early October. Harvest time takes place between the end of September and the first half of October. Harvest maturity is determined based on the fruit skin color, seed blackness, and flesh firmness. Harvesting is done by hand, and the fruits are collected in 10–15 kg buckets and placed in crates.

^{Gürsu Deveci Pear Harvest (Anadolu Agency)}

Storage and Marketing

Thanks to its long shelf life and durability, the Gürsu Deveci Pear has marketing advantages. The ideal storage temperature is 2°C for large fruits and 4°C for smaller ones. During storage, the humidity level is maintained between 80–90%. It can be preserved in cold storage for up to 8 months.

The quality classification is as follows:

• Extra Class: Fruits that fully display the typical characteristics, with a shiny and flawless appearance.
• Class 1: Slight surface defects are acceptable.
• Class 2: May show more pronounced deformities or blemishes.

Inspection and Protection

The production and marketing processes of the Gürsu Deveci Pear are inspected twice a year by a control commission consisting of representatives from the Gürsu Chamber of Agriculture, Bursa Uludağ University, and the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture. All production, storage, and distribution stages are regularly monitored and inspected.

Gürsu’s Geographically Indicated Asset

Gürsu is one of Türkiye’s leading centers in Deveci pear production. The region’s soil structure, day-night temperature differences, and local agricultural expertise ensure the high quality of the product. The combination of traditional production methods with modern agricultural techniques has made the pear preferred both domestically and in exports.

With its rich fiber content, the Gürsu Deveci Pear supports the digestive system and is also rich in vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system. Due to its natural sugar content, it is suitable for healthy diets and is commonly included in dietary programs. In addition to being consumed fresh, it is also used in jam, desserts, and dried fruit forms.

^{Gürsu Deveci Pear (Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Journal)}

The Gürsu Deveci Pear stands out as a high-quality agricultural product due to its adaptation to regional conditions. Thanks to geographical indication protection, it contributes to the local economy while also serving the preservation of a cultural agricultural heritage. With its flavor, durability, and aromatic structure, it has become one of Türkiye’s distinguished fruits.