Manyas Kazak bean is a variety of Phaseolus vulgaris L. cultivated in the Manyas district of Balıkesir province. This product is consumed either as fresh pods or dried seeds. Its seeds are large, plump on both sides, and have a glossy appearance. Thanks to their thin skin, they cook easily, and the skin does not separate during cooking.
Geographical Indication Status
Manyas Kazak bean is protected as a designation of origin under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769. Its registration number is 1401, with an application date of January 20, 2022, and a registration date of July 5, 2023. The registering institution is the Bandırma Chamber of Commerce, and the geographical boundary is limited to the Manyas district of Balıkesir. In terms of usage, the designation "Manyas Kazak Bean" along with the designation of origin emblem appears visibly on the product, packaging, or establishment.
Plant and Product Characteristics
The Manyas Kazak bean plant has a bushy growth type. Seeds are kidney-shaped, and leaves are green. Flowering occurs in 40–45 days, and the vegetation period is 70–80 days. The plant height is 40–45 cm, and the first pod height is 20–30 cm. Mature pods are quince yellow, measuring 10–15 cm in length and 1–1.5 cm in width. Each plant produces 20–25 pods, each containing 4–5 seeds. Seed yield per plant is 100–150 grams.
The seeds themselves weigh 55–65 grams in dry weight and 110–130 grams when fresh. Water absorption per seed is 0.50–0.75 grams, and cooking time is 30–40 minutes. The fresh form, locally known as "sarı koza," cooks quickly. Fresh pods can be consumed directly after shelling or stored in vacuum-sealed bags at –18°C for up to six months.
Production Method
The soil, being clay-loam, is easy to work. In July, the soil is plowed to prepare seed beds. Seed stocks are selected from the previous harvest and must be vigorous, healthy, and free of foreign materials. Seeds are stored in cool, dry, shaded environments, typically in 30–40 kg sacks.
Sowing is carried out from late April to the end of May using an air drill. Irrigation is applied at least six times weekly using drip methods. Weed control is performed by hoeing. Harvest begins when the plant and pods turn yellow: for dried beans, from mid-September to mid-October; for fresh beans, about 10–15 days earlier. Post-harvest, products are dried, sorted, and packaged in food-appropriate sacks for market sale. Seed stocks are separated and stored in cool conditions.
All production, processing, and related activities occur within the geographical boundary.
Inspection Process
Inspections are carried out under the coordination of the Bandırma Chamber of Commerce by a minimum three-person authority composed of experts from the Manyas Chamber of Agriculture and the Kocagöl and Hamamlı neighborhood headmen. Regular inspections are conducted at least once a year; additional inspections are carried out in case of complaints or necessity. Inspection criteria include conformity to plant and product characteristics, adherence to production methods (particularly the use of previous seed stocks), and correct usage of the designation and emblem. Reports are submitted to the Türk Patent and Trademark Office, and non-compliances are reported. The inspection authority may receive support from experts or relevant organizations.
