Ottoman strawberry is a local strawberry variety unique to the Karadeniz Ereğli district of Zonguldak Province, renowned for its distinct aroma, scent, and taste. Small, conical in shape, and ranging in color from pink to red, this strawberry type draws attention with its thinner skin and delicate structure compared to other strawberry varieties. Possessing an intense fragrance, the Ottoman strawberry also offers a juicy and sweet flavor.

^{Ottoman Strawberry (Photo: Azim Konserve)}

The earliest known written records about strawberries were conveyed by the botanist Tillius, who lived between A.D. 23–79. Strawberries became widespread particularly in France over time, gaining cultural and agricultural importance. Throughout history, many different varieties of this fruit have been cultivated, eventually forming unique local types in various regions.

The Ottoman strawberry unique to Karadeniz Ereğli has historically been mentioned as a food and drink consumed by kings. The cultivation of the Ottoman strawberry in this region dates back to the 1920s. During that period, strawberry varieties brought from Istanbul to Karadeniz Ereğli interacted with local strawberry types, developing into a distinctive variety. This special strawberry type has been cultivated since the Ottoman era and was especially consumed in palace kitchens during the 19th century. The microclimatic features and fertile soil structure of Karadeniz Ereğli enable the Ottoman strawberry to acquire its unique taste and aroma. Grown using traditional farming methods, this strawberry requires meticulous attention during the harvest process. Today, the production of Ottoman strawberries is limited and is mostly found in local markets and special events.

Ottoman strawberries are consumed both fresh and used in making jam, marmalade, and desserts. Recognized as a product with a geographical indication, this strawberry variety continues to be an important part of Karadeniz Ereğli’s agricultural and cultural heritage. Various projects are being developed to increase and preserve the production of Ottoman strawberries, aiming to pass this valuable fruit on to future generations.

^{Ottoman Strawberry sellers at the Ereğli market (Photo: Republic of Turkiye Karadeniz Ereğli Municipality)}

Projects

“Fields Should Be Plowed, Tradition Should Continue” Project

In 2016, Ereğli Iron and Steel Works, the Karadeniz Ereğli District Governor’s Office, and the Association for the Promotion of Ottoman Strawberry and the Protection of Its Producers launched the “Fields Should Be Plowed, Tradition Should Continue” project. The main objective of the project is to increase the production of Ottoman strawberries and pass this valuable variety on to future generations. Within the scope of the project, activities such as reproducing high-quality strawberry seedlings in laboratory settings, distributing them to producers, and providing training have been carried out. The first harvest was conducted in 2018, and a total of 3,000 seedlings were distributed to producers.

Karadeniz Ereğli Municipality’s Seedling Distribution Project

In order to expand the production of Ottoman strawberries, the Karadeniz Ereğli Municipality produced 3,000 seedlings in 2022 under the “Ancestral Seed Project.” These seedlings were distributed to the public free of charge, with applications taken by the relevant municipal departments. This initiative aims to encourage local people to cultivate Ottoman strawberries and to increase production.

Geographical Indication Registration

To protect and promote Ottoman strawberries, the Association for the Promotion of Ottoman Strawberry and the Protection of Its Producers carried out studies for geographical indication registration. As a result of these efforts, the Ottoman strawberry was registered as a geographical indication and placed under legal protection. Geographical indication registration is of great importance for preserving product quality, ensuring production according to specific standards, and contributing to regional development. Through these projects and initiatives, the production of Ottoman strawberries is supported and safeguarded, with significant steps taken to pass it on to future generations.

Production Method of the Ottoman Strawberry

The Ottoman strawberry is a strawberry variety grown with traditional methods in Karadeniz Ereğli’s unique climate and soil conditions. The production process requires great care, prioritizing natural and traditional techniques rather than modern agricultural methods. The Ottoman strawberry is cultivated in well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in humus. Before planting, the soil is enriched with organic fertilizer and tilled to aerate it. Ottoman strawberry seedlings are usually planted in spring or autumn. Row spacing is arranged so that each plant receives sufficient sunlight and proper air circulation. Because this strawberry type is delicate, its water needs must be met carefully. Irrigation generally employs drip irrigation to keep the soil consistently moist while preventing excess water accumulation. Regular hoeing is done to prevent the growth of weeds. Chemical pesticides are avoided, and organic methods are preferred in pest control.

Harvest Process

The Ottoman strawberry typically ripens in May–June. Since the fruit has a thin skin and is fragile, it is picked one by one by hand. Harvesting is done in the early morning or during cooler periods of the day to preserve the fruit’s freshness. The picked strawberries are stored in cool environments to be delivered to consumers as soon as possible. This special production process ensures that the Ottoman strawberry retains its unique flavor and aroma. Local producers, projects, and cooperatives in the region support the preservation of traditional methods and the sustainability of production.

Ottoman Strawberry Culture and Art Festival

The Ottoman strawberry is one of the important cultural values of Karadeniz Ereğli, and various festivals are organized to promote this special fruit and encourage its cultivation. The Ottoman Strawberry Culture and Art Festival, held annually in May and June, is one of the foremost events of this kind. As part of the festival, the “Most Beautiful Ottoman Strawberry Contest” is held among strawberry producers, and participants present their strawberries to a jury based on taste, aroma, color, and packaging criteria. This contest increases producers’ motivation and helps maintain the quality of Ottoman strawberries.