Piraziz Apple

Piraziz Apple is a local apple variety grown in the Piraziz district of Türkiye and protected under geographical indication. The product is one of the fruit varieties in the region distinguished by its color, taste, durability, and late ripening characteristics. Due to its production being confined to specific geographical boundaries and its unique physical and chemical properties, Piraziz Apple has been registered as a geographical indication under its place of origin.

The production area of Piraziz Apple is limited to a specific geographical zone within the boundaries of Piraziz district. According to the geographical indication registration document, the production zone is bordered by Domuz Deresi on the east at the boundary of Bulancak district and by Abdal Deresi on the west at the boundary of Ordu province. The production area extends from low-lying coastal regions in the north to elevated terrains in the south, covering a range from approximately 10 meters to 350 meters above sea level.^【1】

^{Piraziz Apple (}Piraziz Municipality⁾

Apples grown within these defined geographical boundaries are recognized as Piraziz Apple, as they possess the characteristics specified under the geographical indication. The production area defined by the geographical indication encompasses agricultural lands extending from the coastal areas of the district toward its inland regions. Apples cultivated in these orchards are produced in accordance with the product specifications and production methods outlined in the registration document.

The geographical location and elevation range of the district were key criteria in defining the production area of Piraziz Apple. The proximity of the growing area to the sea and its specific elevation range are essential factors that necessitate production within the defined geographical boundaries. According to the geographical indication registration, the name Piraziz Apple may only be used for products grown within these boundaries and possessing the characteristics specified in the registration document.

The definition of the geographical boundary is also critical for product control. During the monitoring process, it is verified whether production occurs within the specified boundaries and whether products marketed as Piraziz Apple are indeed cultivated in this area. This ensures the integrity of the relationship between the production area and the product characteristics as defined under the geographical indication system.

Piraziz Apple is a variety defined by specific physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics. The fruit has white flesh, is juicy, and possesses a sweet-tart flavor. Its durable structure and late ripening are among the key features outlined in its definition. These attributes distinguish Piraziz Apple from other apple varieties grown in different regions.

^{Piraziz Apple Image (}Piraziz Municipality⁾

Two distinct colors are noticeable on the fruit’s exterior surface: part of the skin is light green while another portion exhibits red tones. This color distribution is one of the characteristic visual features of the fruit. In shape, Piraziz Apple is described as a medium-sized fruit with a flattened form. The average fruit weight is approximately 123 grams.^【2】

The morphological characteristics of Piraziz Apple have also been quantified through various measurements. The average fruit length is approximately 61.10 mm and the width is 69.84 mm, yielding a length-to-width ratio of approximately 0.87, confirming its flattened shape. The average stalk length is 9.81 mm and the stalk thickness is approximately 3.40 mm. The calyx width is measured at an average of 14.24 mm and the calyx depth at 6.28 mm. The core width is approximately 29.07 mm and the core length is approximately 25.64 mm. The fruit is reported to contain an average of one seed.^【3】

The chemical properties of the product are also defined by specific measurements. The average soluble dry matter content is 12.13%. The flesh firmness is approximately 965 kg/cm². The total acidity is approximately 0.29% and the pH value averages 3.99. These values serve as indicators for determining the fruit’s taste and structural qualities.^【4】

Piraziz Apple is also classified as a late-ripening variety. This means its ripening and harvest period occur later than those of other apple varieties. Additionally, the fruit is noted for its suitability for drying, which is among its defined characteristics. These attributes are considered defining factors for its uses and storage properties.

The phenological development of Piraziz Apple occurs in distinct stages. Its flowering period emerges later than that of other apple varieties. Full bloom typically occurs during the first week of June. This late flowering characteristic is considered advantageous as it reduces the risk of damage from late spring frosts.

The period between flowering and harvest is approximately 160 days. This extended duration indicates a prolonged growth cycle and confirms the late ripening nature of the fruit. For this reason, Piraziz Apple is classified among late-ripening apple varieties. This trait results in a ripening schedule that differs from that of other apple varieties.^【5】

Harvest typically occurs during the second week of November. This period corresponds to the time when the fruit reaches physiological maturity and becomes suitable for picking. Criteria such as color, taste, and ripeness are considered when determining the optimal harvest time.

Piraziz Apple trees begin producing fruit after a specific developmental period. Trees generally produce their first fruits from the third year onward. However, economically viable and consistent yields are achieved starting from approximately the fifth year. This period reflects the time required for orchard establishment to reach a productive and economically sustainable level.

The phenological stages and harvest schedule are closely linked to the climatic conditions and cultivation practices of the region. Therefore, the flowering, development, and harvest periods of Piraziz Apple occur within a defined calendar framework as specified in the geographical indication registration document, strictly within the designated production area.

The production of Piraziz Apple was historically carried out through scattered trees cultivated in the region. Over time, production practices have evolved and modern horticultural methods have been adopted. Today, production is conducted through trained orchards established on dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks. This method enables planned cultivation in designated areas and facilitates more systematic maintenance operations.

Prior to establishing orchards, soil preparation is carried out in the production area. In this phase, approximately 3 tons of composted farmyard manure, 30 kilograms of TSP (triple superphosphate), and 25 kilograms of potassium sulfate fertilizer are applied per hectare, and the soil is tilled to a depth of approximately 25 centimeters. This practice aims to create optimal soil conditions for the growth of planted saplings.^【6】

During planting, pruning is performed and a specific orchard layout is established at regular intervals. Planting distances vary depending on the rootstock type. In orchards established with dwarf rootstocks, the distance between plants in a row is approximately 1 meter and between rows is approximately 3 meters. In orchards established with semi-dwarf rootstocks, the in-row distance is approximately 1.5 meters and the inter-row distance remains approximately 3 meters. This arrangement ensures sufficient space for tree development and facilitates easier maintenance operations.^【7】

After planting, fertilization is applied to support sapling development. In March, approximately 100 grams of fertilizer containing 26% nitrogen is applied per sapling. Fertilization and maintenance practices are carried out to promote plant growth and encourage fruit formation.^【8】

Piraziz Apple trees begin producing fruit after a specific developmental period. Trees generally produce their first fruits from the third year onward. However, economically viable and consistent yields are achieved starting from approximately the fifth year. This period reflects the time required for orchard establishment to reach a productive and economically sustainable level.

The methods and maintenance practices used in production are conducted within specific standards to ensure that the product retains the characteristics specified in the geographical indication registration document. These practices constitute fundamental elements of the production process aimed at preserving the physical and chemical properties defined for Piraziz Apple.

Piraziz Apple is a protected agricultural product under geographical indication due to its cultivation within a specific geographical area and its unique characteristics. The application for geographical indication was submitted by the Piraziz Chamber of Agriculture. As a result, Piraziz Apple was registered as a geographical indication under its place of origin. The registration became effective on 5 March 2013 and was assigned registration number 204.^【9】

The official announcement regarding the geographical indication registration was published in the Official Gazette No. 29680 on 10 April 2016. With this registration, the name Piraziz Apple is legally protected and may only be used for products grown within the defined geographical boundaries and possessing the characteristics specified in the registration document. In this context, the product’s name, production area, and production methods are formally defined under the geographical indication system.^【10】

To ensure compliance with the standards defined under the geographical indication, the production and marketing of the product are subject to a monitoring process. This process is coordinated by the Piraziz Chamber of Agriculture and carried out by a monitoring commission composed of representatives from various institutions and organizations.

The monitoring commission includes representatives from the Giresun Food Control Laboratory Directorate of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, the Department of Horticultural Crops at Ordu University Faculty of Agriculture, and the Piraziz District Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Livestock. The commission’s primary responsibility is to verify whether Piraziz Apple is cultivated in accordance with the production conditions specified in the registration document.

During monitoring, the first step is to verify whether the product is produced within the defined geographical boundaries. Additionally, the physical and chemical properties of the product, as well as its cultivation methods and practices, are evaluated for compliance with the criteria specified in the geographical indication registration document. These inspections aim to preserve the defined characteristics of the product and ensure that the name Piraziz Apple is used exclusively for products meeting the established standards.

The monitoring commission also has the authority to evaluate complaints regarding Piraziz Apple. In such cases, necessary investigations and controls are conducted. This ensures the enforcement and protection of the rules established under the geographical indication system concerning the product’s production area, cultivation methods, and characteristics.