Kuyucak orange is a distinctive variety of Washington Navel (Citrus sinensis Osb.) grown in the Kuyucak district of Aydın province, Türkiye. It was registered as a “designation of origin” on 18 October 2023 and is protected under the Geographical Indications framework of Industrial Property Law No. 6769. The registration was carried out by the Kuyucak Municipality.
History
During the Ottoman period, Kuyucak district, part of the Aydın Sanjak, was prominent in orange cultivation. Tax registers from 1844-1845 show that 1230 dönüms of land in the district were allocated for orange production, documenting Kuyucak’s long-standing tradition in citrus farming.
Geographical Features and Effects
Situated approximately 120 km inland from the sea, Kuyucak experiences harsher climatic conditions than coastal regions. This results in thicker orange peels, which help preserve the fruit’s internal juice during storage, making the oranges juicier, more aromatic and sweeter. The long shelf life and minimal weight loss give Kuyucak oranges both commercial and consumer advantages.
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Pomological Characteristics
- Fruit weight: 188.8 – 301.9 g
- Fruit width: 5.3 – 9.6 cm
- Peel thickness: 5.0 – 6.7 mm
- Juice content: 26.01 – 46.17%
- Peel color (L, a, b): L 46.98 – 65.03; a* 12.81 – 13.24; b* 17.04 – 51.72
Composition
- Soluble solids (SS): 10.9 – 12.4%
- pH: 3.15 – 4.01
- Titratable acidity: 0.49 – 1.54%
- Total sugar: 4.95 – 9.53%
- Fructose: 1.53 – 2.95%
- Glucose: 1.50 – 3.19%
- Sucrose: 0.10 – 3.19%
- Citric acid: 4964 – 7687.6 mg/L
- Malic acid: 213.3 – 648.9 mg/L
- Tartaric acid: 195.3 – 422.4 mg/L
- Ascorbic acid: 573.9 – 621.5 mg/L
- Maturity index: 6.68 – 25.61
Production Method
Washington Navel variety is used for Kuyucak oranges. Citrus rootstocks suitable for calcareous soils, such as Citrus aurantium L. and Troyer citrange, are employed. Orchard establishment involves terracing, drainage channel construction, and planting at 7x5, 6x3, or 5x3 m spacing. Planting occurs in autumn or spring depending on frost risk.
Pruning is done every 3-4 years to remove excessive shoots and dead branches. Irrigation is adjusted according to tree age and seasonal conditions. Fertilization is based on soil and leaf analyses. Harvest occurs from late November to mid-December; fruits are hand-picked and placed in crates without damage.
Inspection
Production and marketing of Kuyucak oranges are controlled by inspections coordinated by Kuyucak Municipality. The inspection committee includes representatives from Kuyucak Municipality, Kuyucak District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Kuyucak Citrus Producers Association, and Kuyucak Chamber of Agriculture. Inspections are conducted at least once a year and additionally when needed or upon complaint. They monitor the product’s distinctive features, adherence to production methods and proper use of the designation of origin.
