Keşan Mahmutköy dry beans is a variety of “horoz-type” beans with a thin skin, cultivated under distinctive conditions in the village of Mahmutköy, located in the Keşan district of Edirne, Türkiye. The beans are medium-sized, oval, plump, spotless, and glossy white in color. They measure 14–18 mm in length, with 100 beans weighing approximately 75–90 grams. They are distinguished by their quick cooking time and resistance to skin separation during cooking. Production began about 75 years ago with heirloom seeds brought by immigrants from the Balkans. After each harvest, 6 kg of seeds are set aside per decare for the next planting season.

Soil and Climate Characteristics

The soil in which the beans are grown is a mixture of clay, loam, and sand, classified as part of the “great brown forest soils” group. It contains 1–1.5% organic matter, has high water retention capacity, and features lime accumulation at a depth of 1–1.5 meters. The annual precipitation ranges between 550–600 mm. The use of animal manure promotes sprouting, enhances the spotless white color, accelerates flowering, and facilitates seed maturation. Beans can also be planted as a secondary crop in stubble fields. They are harvested late in the season and exhibit resistance to insect infestation during winter.

Production Process

Sowing takes place in late June or early July to ensure that the flowering period avoids excessive summer heat. For each decare, 200 kg of animal manure is mixed into the soil. Germination occurs within 7–10 days. Irrigation is done using the sprinkler method to prevent soil crusting. After 15 days, the beans grow to approximately 20 cm, at which point hoeing is performed to remove weeds, furrows are opened with a tractor, and irrigation continues once a week. Harvesting occurs in late October or early November by uprooting the plants. Pods that remain green are dried, while yellow pods are separated. The drying process takes 3–5 days. Seeds reserved for the next planting season are selected, and the remaining beans are packaged in cool, dry conditions.

Geographical and Cultural Connection

Mahmutköy has a long-standing agricultural tradition and is strongly associated with this specific bean variety. The registration process, initiated on January 12, 2022, was completed on May 23, 2024, when Keşan Chamber of Commerce and Industry officially registered it as a geographical indication under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769. All production, processing, and packaging must take place within the boundaries of Mahmutköy.

Inspection Process

Inspections are coordinated by the Keşan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and carried out by a five-member expert team comprising representatives from Keşan Municipality, the Keşan District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Trakya University Keşan Vocational School, and the Mahmutköy Village Headman’s Office. Regular inspections are conducted twice a year: at the end of May–early July during the sowing period and at the end of October–early November during harvest. Additional inspections are performed if complaints are received. The inspection committee issues a meeting notice at least one week in advance and organizes its schedule according to the producers’ locations.

• Sowing Period Inspection: Conducted between late May and early July to verify that horoz-type seeds are used, cultivation occurs within the designated geographical boundaries, soil preparation is appropriate, and animal manure is correctly applied.
• Harvest Period Inspection: Conducted between late October and early November to ensure that the harvesting methods are suitable, 100-bean weight ranges between 75–90 g, bean length measures 14–18 mm, and that the appearance is spotless, white, and glossy. Storage conditions (cool and dry) and correct use of the logo and emblem are also checked.

The inspection team may seek assistance from public or private sector experts. The registered organization oversees the legal processes. The product is promoted using the designated logo and geographical indication emblem on packaging or within production facilities.

Usage and Promotion

The expression Keşan Mahmutköy dry bfeans, along with the official logo and geographical indication emblem, must appear on product packaging. When packaging is not used, these signs must be displayed visibly within the production facility. These marks safeguard the product’s authenticity and have been legally protected under Law No. 6769 since January 12, 2022.