Kağızman Long Apple is a unique apple variety grown exclusively in the Kağızman district of Turkey. Thanks to the microclimatic characteristics of the Aras Valley, the region stands out from the surrounding harsh continental climate, providing an advantageous environment for fruit cultivation. In Kağızman, where the annual average temperature is 8.6 °C, frost events typically end around 14–15 April and begin around 27–28 October, offering a suitable period for fruit growing. This product was applied for as a designation of origin under Turkish Industrial Property Law No. 6769 on 12 July 2012, and it was registered on 25 December 2017 under the name “Kağızman Long Apple.”
Description and Distinctive Features
Despite the harsh effects of the continental climate, the protected structure of the Aras Valley allows continued fruit cultivation in Kağızman. Among Turkey’s 25 apple varieties, the long apple is unique to Kağızman, growing on upright trees reaching 4–6 m in height. The fruit is cylindrical, longer than an egg, measuring 10–12 cm in length and 5–6 cm in width. Its lower and upper parts are white, while the sun-exposed middle section is red. Thin-skinned, very sweet, and visually striking, it is highly sought after in markets. This variety is biennial, producing fruit every two years.
Phenological Characteristics
- Flowering period: 26 April – 10 May
- Full bloom date: 30 April
- Pollen germination rate: 61.54 %
- Fruit set rate: 2.54 % by self-pollination, 17 % by open pollination
Pomological Characteristics
- Fruit flesh firmness: 2.45 kg/cm²
- Fruit weight: 169.0 ± 2.7 g
- Fruit width: 58.1 ± 0.9 mm
- Fruit length: 8.7 ± 2.3 mm
- Stem length: 21.0 ± 1.5 mm
- Number of seeds: 8.4
- Fruit color: Sap Green 62/8
- Soluble solid content: 13.50 %
- pH: 3.36
- Vitamin C: 3.69 mg/100 ml
- Acidity: 0.29 %
Cultivation Method
Kağızman Long Apple is propagated by grafting. Planting distances are generally 6×6 m or 7×7 m. As a self-incompatible variety, it requires pollen from other apple varieties for fertilization. Trees grow upright in a poplar-like form, and branches are bent during pruning to encourage fruiting and increase yield. It is a late-season apple; harvesting is done manually and the fruit is transported to markets including Istanbul.
Trees grow in slightly calcareous, sandy, clayey, and stiff aluminum soils. From seedling to tree, one year is required after grafting, and the total production period is seven years. Harvesting occurs around 1 October, coinciding with Kağızman’s liberation day. Stored in cool conditions, fruits remain unspoiled until June, showing only slight shriveling. Spoiled fruits darken to blackish-brown without affecting adjacent fruits.
In productive years, 80–100 kg of fruit is obtained per tree. Supports are provided to prevent branch breakage. The vertical growth of branches, resembling cypress trees, is a distinctive feature that separates this variety from other apples.
Inspection
Production and shipment are monitored by an inspection commission formed by the Kağızman District Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Livestock and the Kars Chamber of Agriculture. Spraying, grafting, and harvest times are inspected; training sessions are held at appropriate times and locations to promote the product and maintain its reputation. The commission may obtain expert support from public or private institutions and manages legal procedures.
