Nizip Mızar Carrot

Nizip Mızar Carrot is a variety of Daucus carota L. var. sativus cultivated in the Uluyatır Neighborhood of Nizip District, Gaziantep Province, Türkiye. It derives its name from “Mızar,” the former name of Uluyatır Neighborhood. This product was registered as a geographical indication on 24 January 2024 under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property.

The region where Nizip Mızar carrot is grown features slightly alkaline soils with a pH of 7.5, clay-silt texture, and high levels of phosphorus and potassium. These characteristics positively influence root development in carrots, which are sensitive to high acidity.

This carrot variety is large, sweet, and yellow in color. It has a conical shape with a thin, pointed lower end and a thick upper portion. The root structure is taproot-type; the stem is striated and hairy, averaging 100–150 cm in length. The leaves are compound and arranged in linear and lanceolate forms. The flowers have white corollas and exhibit both self-pollination and cross-pollination characteristics. The seeds are dirty yellow, 2–4 mm in length, and 1–1.5 mm in width.

When evaluated physicochemically:

• Total sugar content (expressed as sucrose): 6.90–6.98%
• Sucrose content: 5.85–5.92%
• Water-soluble dry matter: 8.8–10.01%
• Average weight: 280–450 g
• Length: 16–30 cm
• Color values: L*: 77.41 / a*: -1.24 / b*: 41.98
• Shoulder diameter: 28.65–42.71 mm
• Mid-diameter: 17.87–27.80 mm

Seed production begins by leaving carrots from the previous harvest in the production field. Seeds, which mature between late June and mid-July, are harvested, dried, and stored in airtight containers at 15–20 °C and 5–10% humidity.

Field preparation starts 2–3 months before sowing with the application of composted farm manure. After weed control and basal fertilization, the field is prepared in rows. Seeds are sown manually between mid-July and mid-August. After germination, thinning is performed and regular irrigation begins.

Irrigation is carried out every five days during the first two weeks after sowing. A 40-day interval follows to support root development. From late September until harvest, irrigation is conducted every ten days.

Harvesting begins in mid-December and continues until the end of March. After manual harvesting, the product is stored in river sand at 10–12 °C. For long-term storage, temperatures of 0–4 °C and relative humidity of 94–96% are required. The product is typically marketed in 20 kg crates or plastic packaging.

The Nizip Chamber of Commerce is the registered owner. The monitoring process is conducted by a four-member committee composed of representatives from the Nizip Chamber of Agriculture, the Nizip District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Nizip Vocational School Department of Plant and Animal Production, under the coordination of the Nizip Chamber of Commerce. Monitoring is carried out at least once annually and may be conducted at any time if deemed necessary or upon complaint.

Monitoring criteria include conformity of the product variety, adherence to production methods, physical and chemical properties of the harvested product, and correct use of the geographical indication mark and emblem.

The production of Nizip Mızar carrot occurs exclusively within the boundaries of Uluyatır Neighborhood. The product has a long-standing association with the region and holds a significant place in the local economy. Accordingly, all stages of the production process must be carried out within the defined geographical boundaries.