Meriç Black Melon is a distinctive melon variety grown in the Meriç district of Edirne province, Türkiye. An application for its designation of origin was submitted on March 5, 2020, under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769, and it was officially registered and protected on March 10, 2021. The registration process was coordinated by the Meriç Chamber of Agriculture, and the product is produced within the geographical boundaries of the Meriç district.

^{Meriç Black Melon (AA)}

Physical and Taste Characteristics

This melon has a dark green, wrinkled, and thick-skinned exterior. Its flesh is orange or dark yellow, with a juicy and fleshy texture. The fruits are medium-sized, round in shape, with slightly pointed stem ends. The average fruit weight ranges between 1100 and 2255 grams, with a diameter of 12-13 cm and a length of 13-23.5 cm. The skin thickness varies from 0.3-0.5 cm, while the flesh thickness ranges from 3-4.5 cm. The melon offers a rich aroma in terms of taste and smell, with a low-fiber structure and a soluble solids content of 4.7% to 6.4%. The seed cavity weighs between 150-315 grams, with a length of 9.5-17 cm and a diameter of 4-5.7 cm. Additionally, the blossom end is small, and the melon is resistant to sunburn.

Production Conditions and Methods

The production of Meriç Black Melon is carried out using methods adapted to the region’s natural conditions. Production begins by preparing planting pits 40-50 cm wide and 15-20 cm deep in leveled soil. Three to four seeds are sown per pit, covered with fertilized soil at a depth of 3-4 cm. Apart from the initial irrigation during planting, additional watering is unnecessary due to the region’s adequate rainfall. The seeds germinate within 10-12 days, and when the plants develop 2-3 true leaves, thinning is performed, ideally leaving two plants per pit. Weed control is achieved through hoeing, and instead of chemical fertilizers, the natural minerals in the soil are utilized. Seeds are obtained from the melons’ own seeds and stored for the next year. The product is protected using organic methods, with sulfur application as the only measure against diseases and pests.

Storage and Durability

Meriç Black Melon stands out for its resistance to heat and drought and can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 months. This characteristic makes it suitable for consumption during the winter months. The region’s low humidity and sufficient rainfall positively affect the fruit’s weight and flesh thickness, while the absence of fungal diseases facilitates production.

Inspection and Protection

The quality and production standards of the product are inspected annually by a team of at least three members, coordinated by the Meriç Chamber of Agriculture, consisting of experts from the Meriç District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Meriç Municipality, and the Trakya Agricultural Research Institute. Additional inspections may be conducted upon complaints. The inspection covers compliance with production methods, physical characteristics, and the proper use of the Meriç Black Melon designation and logo. Legal processes to protect these rights are managed by the entity that registered the product.