Nizip Mızar carrot is a carrot variety of the Daucus carota L. var. sativus species, grown in Uluyatır Neighborhood of Nizip district in Gaziantep province, Türkiye. It takes its name from “Mızar,” the former name of Uluyatır Neighborhood. This product was registered with a Protected Geographical Indication on January 24, 2024, under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769.

Geographical Characteristics

The region where Nizip Mızar carrot is grown has slightly alkaline soils with a pH of 7.5, clay-loam texture, and richness in phosphorus and potassium. These properties positively affect the tuber development of the carrot, which is sensitive to high acidity.

Morphological and Physicochemical Qualities

This carrot variety is large-sized, sweet, and yellow in color. The lower part is thin and pointed, while the upper part is thick, giving it a conical appearance. The root structure is taproot-shaped; the stem is striped and hairy, averaging 100–150 cm in length. The leaves are compound and arranged in linear to lanceolate forms. The flowers have white petals and exhibit both hermaphroditic and cross-pollination characteristics. The seeds are dirty yellow, 2–4 mm long, and 1–1.5 mm wide.

From a physicochemical perspective:

• Total sugar content (in sucrose): 6.90–6.98%
• Sucrose amount: 5.85–5.92%
• Soluble solids content: 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
• Middle diameter: 17.87–27.80 mm

Production Process

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

Field preparation starts 2–3 months before planting with the application of aged farmyard manure. After weed cleaning and base fertilization, the planting area is prepared in rows. Seeds are sown by hand between mid-July and mid-August. Thinning is done after germination, and regular irrigation begins.

Irrigation is applied every 5 days for the first two weeks after planting. Then, a 40-day interval is given to support root development. From late September until the harvest period, irrigation continues every 10 days.

Harvesting starts 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, 0–4°C temperature and 94–96% relative humidity are required. It is typically marketed in 20 kg crates or plastic packaging.

Registration and Inspection

The registration holder is the Nizip Chamber of Commerce. The inspection process is coordinated by the Nizip Chamber of Commerce and conducted by a four-member committee including representatives from the Nizip Chamber of Agriculture, Nizip District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and Nizip Vocational School Department of Plant and Animal Production. Inspections are conducted at least once a year, with additional checks possible as needed or upon complaints.

Inspection criteria include the suitability of the variety, adherence to the production method, physical and chemical characteristics of the harvested product, and proper use of the geographical indication label and emblem.

Geographical Connection and Economic Value

The production of Nizip Mızar carrot takes place exclusively within the boundaries of Uluyatır Neighborhood. With a long-standing connection to the region, the product holds an important place in the local economy. Accordingly, all stages of the production process must be carried out within the geographical boundary.