Kozluk Tomato

Kozluk tomato is a local tomato variety cultivated in the Kozluk district of Batman Province, Türkiye, and officially registered with a geographical indication mark. This tomato is typically large, with a segmented structure, a slightly sour taste, and an intense aroma. It is available in two distinct colors: red and pink. Due to its short shelf life after harvest, it is best suited for fresh consumption. Production employs traditional methods using local seeds saved from the previous harvest, and irrigation is carried out with spring water sourced from the mountains.

Kozluk tomato is a traditional local variety produced using seeds selected from large, high-quality fruits of the previous harvest. Typically large, irregularly shaped, and segmented, this tomato is ideal for table consumption due to its intense aroma and slightly sour flavor. Kozluk tomato features a seal-like structure at its base and can be found in two colors: red and pink. Under normal conditions, it weighs between 600 and 800 grams, but under optimal growing conditions, individual fruit weight can reach up to 2000 grams. This product lacks a uniform structure and does not have a fixed number of carpels. One of its distinguishing physical traits is the “frost-like whiteness” observed in the fruit flesh when cut in half.

The chemical composition of Kozluk tomato varies according to its color:

• Minimum soluble solids (brix): 4.65%
• Maximum titratable acidity (TA): 0.38%
• pH value: 4.97

• Minimum soluble solids (brix): 5.05%
• Maximum titratable acidity (TA): 0.39%
• pH value: 4.92

The peel colors of the product have been measured using L*, a*, b*, C*, h°, and a*/b* values. For example:

• Red tomato: L*: 68.08 | a*: 41.36 | b*: 23.70 | C*: 26.52 | h°: 35.57 | a*/b*: 0.40
• Red-pink tomato: L*: 48.21 | a*: 43.67 | b*: 23.13 | C*: 23.20 | h°: 32.76 | a*/b*: 0.89
• Pink tomato: L*: 45.09 | a*: 46.18 | b*: 25.85 | C*: 32.56 | h°: 37.44 | a*/b*: 1.30

Production of Kozluk tomato relies on traditional propagation methods, using seeds selected from fruits of the previous harvest. These seeds are sown in seedbeds at the end of February or beginning of March for germination. Field preparation involves plowing to a depth of 50 cm followed by leveling with a cultivator. By the end of May, seedlings with six leaves are transplanted with a spacing of 40–50 cm between plants and 100–110 cm between rows.

After transplanting, two weeding operations are performed. The first weeding takes place 2–3 weeks after transplanting; the second is carried out when the plants reach a height of 30–35 cm, combined with earthing up. Irrigation is conducted using spring water from mountain villages and is particularly critical during flowering and fruit set stages. Irrigation continues until mid-August. Approximately five to six harvests are carried out during the production cycle, yielding an average of 1500 kg per hectare. The harvest period begins at the end of August and continues until the end of December.

Kozluk tomato can only be cultivated within the boundaries of Kozluk district in Batman Province. It is a product intrinsically linked to the region’s climate, soil structure, and traditional agricultural knowledge. Therefore, its reputation is directly tied to its geographical origin. Every stage of production—including seed selection, germination, transplanting, weeding, irrigation, and harvesting—must be carried out exclusively within these defined boundaries.

To ensure the continued compliance of Kozluk Tomato as a geographical indication product, monitoring is conducted by a minimum three-member committee composed of experts from the Batman Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the Batman Chamber of Agriculture, and the Kozluk District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, under the coordination of the Batman Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Monitoring is carried out at least once annually, with additional inspections conducted upon complaint or need.

Monitoring criteria include: production within the boundaries of Kozluk district, use of local seeds, adherence to production methods, verification of physical and chemical properties, and correct labeling with the term “Kozluk Tomato” and the official geographical indication emblem. Monitoring results are reported to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office in accordance with Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property.