Malatya Apricot

Malatya Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a fruit with geographical indication status at both national and international levels, characterized by specific varieties including Hacıhaliloğlu, Hasanbey, Kabaaşı, Soğancı, Çataloğlu, and Çöloğlu, and consumed both fresh and especially dried.

Product Profile and Geographical Indication Type

Malatya apricot belongs to the product group of processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. It has been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office as a "name of origin." A name of origin is used when all stages of production, processing, and other preparation of a product occur within a defined geographical area. This registration certifies that the unique taste, aroma, dry matter content, and other characteristics of the Malatya apricot are directly linked to the climate, soil, and traditional agricultural practices passed down through generations within the specified geographical boundaries.

Additionally, Malatya apricot was granted geographical indication status by the European Union (EU) on 11 July 2017. This international registration contributes to preserving the product’s quality, enhancing its global recognition, and increasing its market value.

Malatya Apricot (Republic of Türkiye, Malatya Governorate)

Product Definition and Distinctive Characteristics

Malatya apricot is defined by the specific tree and fruit characteristics of the designated varieties: Hacıhaliloğlu, Hasanbey, Kabaaşı, Soğancı, Çataloğlu, and Çöloğlu.

Tree Characteristics

Tree appearance (spreading, upright-spreading), growth vigor (strong), yield (medium), and bark color (brown, light brown, etc.) vary among varieties.

• Cultivation Technique: The trees require 1000–1600 chilling hours during winter dormancy. They are susceptible to damage at temperatures below -1°C during flowering and early fruit development. Cold winters, dry springs, and sunny, hot summers are preferred. Irrigation is needed 4–6 times during the growing season. They thrive well in warm, nutrient-rich, loamy-limestone soils. No pollinator variety is required. Apricot cultivation methods in Malatya represent a centuries-old tradition passed down through generations.
• Fresh Fruit Characteristics: Fruit shape (oval, heart-shaped), skin and flesh color (yellow), cheek condition, symmetry, taste (very sweet), flesh texture, fruit weight, seed weight, seed shape, seed adhesion to flesh, and seed taste vary by variety. Soluble dry matter (SDM), pH, and total acidity values also differ among varieties.

Dried Fruit Characteristics

• Sulfured Dried Apricot: Color is yellow (orange in Hasanbey variety due to 200 ppm sulfur treatment). Moisture content is 20–25%; dry matter content is 75–80%. Harvested for drying, treated with sulfur, and dried to achieve a uniform yellow color with a distinctive taste and aroma.
• Sun-Dried (Natural Dried Apricot): Dried without sulfur treatment; color ranges from light to dark brown.
• Nutritional Value of 100g Malatya Dried Apricot: Contains moisture, energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, ash, various vitamins (A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin), and minerals (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron).

Türkiye ranks first in global fresh apricot production, with a significant portion of this output coming from Malatya. Apricot exports also contribute significantly to the national economy.

Apricot in Bloom (Republic of Türkiye, Malatya Governorship)

Production Method

Malatya apricots are harvested specifically for drying. They are dried either through sulfur treatment or by natural sun-drying methods.

Geographical Origin and Boundaries

The geographical boundary of Malatya apricot encompasses 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: Malatya apricot was registered as a "name of origin" on 31 July 2000 under application number C 2000/003 with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, receiving registration number 32. The registration announcement was published on 28 January 2001.
• European Union Registration: Following an application submitted by the Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2014, Malatya apricot was granted geographical indication status by the European Union on 11 July 2017. This registration ensures protection of the product’s geographical indication within EU member states.