Malatya apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a fruit consumed fresh and especially dried, encompassing specific varieties such as Hacıhaliloğlu, Hasanbey, Kabaaşı, Soğancı, Çataloğlu, and Çöloğlu, and possessing geographical indication registration at national and international levels.

Product Profile and Type of Geographical Indication

Malatya apricot is included in the product group of processed and unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms. It has been registered as a "designation of origin" by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. Designation of origin is used when all production, processing, and other preparation stages of a product occur within a defined geographical area. This registration of Malatya apricot certifies that the fruit's unique characteristics, such as taste, aroma, and dry matter content, as well as its tree and cultivation properties, are linked to the climate, soil, and agricultural practices passed down through generations within the specified geographical boundary.

Furthermore, Malatya apricot was also registered as a geographical indication by the European Union (EU) on July 11, 2017. This international registration contributes to protecting the product's quality, increasing its worldwide recognition, and raising its market value.

^{Malatya Apricot (}^{Malatya Governorship}⁾

Product Description and Distinguishing Characteristics

Malatya apricot is defined by its tree and fruit characteristics specific to the mentioned varieties (Hacıhaliloğlu, Hasanbey, Kabaaşı, Soğancı, Çataloğlu, Çöloğlu).

Tree Characteristics

Tree appearance (spreading, upright-spreading), tree development (vigorous), yield (medium), and tree color (brown, light brown, etc.) vary according to varieties.

Cultivation Technique: It requires 1000-1600 hours of chilling during the winter dormancy period. It can be damaged by temperatures of -1°C and below during flowering and small fruit stages. It prefers cold winters, dry springs, and sunny-hot summers. It requires 4-6 irrigations during the growing season. It thrives in warm, nutrient-rich, loamy-calcareous soils. It does not require a pollinator variety. Apricot cultivation methods in Malatya are a tradition and heritage passed down through generations for centuries.
Fresh Fruit Characteristics: Fruit shape (oval, heart, etc.), fruit skin and flesh color (yellow), cheek condition, symmetry, taste (very sweet), flesh texture, fruit weight, kernel weight, kernel shape, adherence of kernel to flesh, and kernel taste vary according to varieties. Soluble dry matter (SDM), pH, and total acidity values also vary according to varieties.

Dried Fruit Characteristics

Sulfured Dried Apricot: Its color is yellow (orange color with 200 ppm sulfuring in Hasanbey variety). Moisture content is 20-25%, and dry matter content is 75-80%. It is harvested at drying maturity, sulfured and dried, with a homogeneous yellow color, and its unique taste and smell.
Sun-Dried (Natural Dried Apricot): It is dried without sulfuring, and its color is light or dark brown.
Nutritional Value of 100g Malatya Dried Apricot: Contains moisture, energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, ash, various vitamins (A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin), and minerals (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron).

Türkiye ranks first in the world in fresh apricot production, and a significant portion of this production is carried out in Malatya. Apricot exports also contribute to the national economy.

^{Flowering Apricot (}^{Malatya Governorship}⁾

Production Method

Malatya apricot is harvested for drying. It is dried by sulfuring or by natural (sun-dried) methods.

Geographical Origin and Boundaries

The geographical boundary of Malatya apricot covers Malatya province and its districts, as well as the Baskil district of Elazığ province, the Gürün district of Sivas province, the Gölbaşı district of Adıyaman province, and the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaraş province.

Registration Process and Details

National Registration: As a result of the application made to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on July 31, 2000, with application number C 2000/003, Malatya apricot was registered as a "designation of origin" with registration number 32. The registration announcement was published on January 28, 2001.
European Union Registration: As a result of the application made by the Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2014, Malatya apricot was registered as a geographical indication with the European Union on July 11, 2017. This registration allows the product to benefit from geographical indication protection in EU countries as well.

Malatya Apricot