Niksar Walnut

Niksar walnut is a walnut variety uniquely associated with the geographic area of Niksar district in Tokat Province and officially registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. The distinctive qualities of the product stem from the region’s ecological conditions, particularly its high-quality irrigation water, uncontaminated soils suitable for organic farming, and favorable climatic conditions from flowering to harvest.

This genetically superior walnut stands out for its flavor and quality and is notable for its oil content of approximately 65%.^【1】

Product Characteristics

Niksar walnut may be large (average diameter greater than 38.1 mm) for fresh consumption or large-medium (average diameter greater than 29.1 mm) for drying. The fruit has a regular oval shape with uniform size, and the weight of the nut in shell must exceed 10 grams. The shell is expected to be light-colored, glossy, smooth, with two tightly adhering halves that are thin and easily breakable. The kernel must separate easily and intact from the shell, with a kernel yield exceeding 50% and a kernel weight above 5 grams.^【2】 A very light kernel color is preferred. The total oil content in the dry matter of the walnut must not exceed 70%.^【3】

Production Method

The production of Niksar walnut takes place in orchards established with grafted saplings.

• Walnut trees thrive best in loose, well-drained alluvial soils rich in organic matter, with a groundwater level below 2.5–3 meters and no waterlogging.
• Orchards are established using grafted saplings. Spacing between trees varies between 8x8 meters and 10x10 meters depending on soil conditions.
• Saplings are planted in pits measuring 1.5x1.5x1.5 meters. Phosphate and potassium sulfate fertilizers are applied at the pit base. The excavated soil is mixed with composted animal manure, and the sapling is planted so that the graft union remains above ground level, then tied to a stake.
• Grafted saplings typically begin producing fruit from the fourth or fifth year onward. Irrigation is determined using drip systems and leaf water potential measurements obtained via tensiometers. Plants such as fava bean and korunga can be cultivated between rows.
• Pollination in walnut trees occurs via wind. To ensure consistent fruit yield, at least two different varieties with complementary flowering times must be planted in the orchard, and their flowering periods must be carefully considered.
• To increase yield, pruning involves thinning out dense branches within the canopy from the base, while branches forming the canopy surface are pruned back to two- or three-year-old wood.
• The harvest period generally falls in September and October.

Geographical Boundary and Monitoring

The geographical boundary for the registered product is defined as Niksar District of Tokat Province.

Compliance of Niksar walnut with registration requirements is monitored by a four-member commission established under the coordination of the Niksar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The commission includes one expert representative each from the Faculty of Agriculture at Gaziosmanpaşa University, the Tokat Provincial Directorate of Food Agriculture and Livestock, Niksar Municipality, and Niksar District Directorate of Food Agriculture and Livestock. The commission is responsible for verifying the product’s distinctive characteristics, adherence to production methods, and proper use of the geographical indication. Routine inspections are conducted annually; additional inspections may be carried out upon request or complaint.