Köyceğiz orange is a product obtained from the Washington Navel variety grown in the Köyceğiz district of Muğla. Fully grown trees reach a canopy width of 6–7 m and a height of 5–6 m, producing 100–130 kg of fruit per year. Fruit weight ranges from 254.44 to 263.98 g; peel thickness is 5.73–6.27 mm, with 11–12 segments. Juice content ranges from 48.58–49.57%, total soluble solids 11.38–12.33, vitamin C 54.22 mg, sucrose 2.48 mg/100 g, glucose 1.75 mg/100 g, and fructose 1.79 mg/100 g. The index value ranges from 0.98–1.16.

The region’s Mediterranean climate, influenced by the Sandıras Mountains, features hot days and cool nights in summer, mild winters, and 2–3 months of rainfall, providing abundant underground and surface water. These conditions increase sugar and juice content and give the fruit a deep orange color.

Geographical Indication Registration

Köyceğiz orange was registered by the Köyceğiz Chamber of Agriculture under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property. The application was submitted on June 22, 2021, and registration was completed on May 24, 2022, providing protection from June 22, 2021 onwards. The registration number is 1124, and the product is classified as a geographical origin type of geographical indication. It falls under the processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables category.

Cultivation Area

Köyceğiz orange is cultivated exclusively within the Köyceğiz district, covering the neighborhoods of Merkez, Toparlar, Hamit, Zaferler, Döğüşbelen, Yeşilköy, Yangı, Zeytinalanı, Beyobası, Köyceğiz, Kavakarası, Sultaniye, and Çandır. The Mediterranean climate, the cool airflow from Sandıras Mountains, and nighttime dew shape the fruit’s characteristics.

Production and Economic Contribution

Washington Navel oranges are used for production. Seedlings must be virus-free, at least 100 cm tall, with trunk thickness no less than 1 cm, and healthy. Planting occurs from March 1 to April 15 at 6×6 m spacing. Irrigation is performed using the Namnam, Kargıcak, and Yuvarlak streams and groundwater, either by drip (every 3–5 days) or flood irrigation (every 15–30 days).

Pest control measures include summer oil and manure solutions in February–March, plant protection products for mealybugs and carob moth in May–July, traps for Mediterranean fruit fly in September–November, and summer oil for red spider mite; copper compounds are applied against fungal diseases.

Fertilization is based on clay-loam soil analysis, using burned sheep-goat manure (every 3 years) and expert programs for drip irrigation, basal fertilizers for flood irrigation (December–March), and nitrogen fertilizers (March–April, June, August). Pruning is performed with hard or light methods in December for early harvest and February–March for late harvest.

Harvest Period

Köyceğiz oranges ripen from late September to late November and are harvested from December to February using appropriate baskets and scissors. Fruits are generally sold fresh, though a portion may be stored for up to 1 month at 6–8 °C with 85–90% humidity in cold storage.

Inspection Process

Inspections are coordinated by the Köyceğiz Chamber of Agriculture, conducted twice a year by a four-person team from the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Köyceğiz Municipality, Köyceğiz District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Chamber of Agriculture. Additional inspections are performed as needed or upon complaints. Inspection checks include the use of Washington Navel oranges, compliance with production methods, fruit weight, juice content, peel thickness, segment number, and proper use of logos and packaging. Public or private experts may provide support if necessary, and the registrant manages legal procedures.