Posof Bean

Posof bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a local dry bean variety grown in the Posof district of Ardahan Province, characterized by large, white, kidney-shaped, and glossy seeds. An application for geographical indication was submitted on 28 February 2020 and officially registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 23 November 2020 under Registration No. 609 as a geographical indication.

• Application: 28 February 2020, File No: C2020/064
• Registration: 23 November 2020, No. 609 – Geographical Indication; classified under the product group “beans / processed and unprocessed vegetables-fruits”.
• Registering Authority: Ardahan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Geographical Boundary: Must be produced exclusively within the Posof district of Ardahan Province. The label or packaging must bear the term “Posof Bean” and the geographical indication emblem.
• Monitoring: Inspections are conducted by a commission composed of representatives from Ardahan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Provincial and District Directorates of Agriculture, and universities.

According to the registration certificate and promotional materials, the main distinguishing features of Posof bean are as follows:

• White, large, kidney-shaped, and glossy seeds exhibit anatomical traits specific to local environmental conditions.
• Pod structure: Firm and hairy; medium-length pods with short pubescence.
• High water absorption capacity and index, cooking time of 34 minutes, and a structure that does not shed its skin; these characteristics result in distinct differences in taste and aroma compared to other beans.
• Physicochemical data (averages per 100 seeds):
• • Dry weight: ~97 g/100 seeds
  • Fresh weight: ~175 g/100 seeds
  • Water absorption capacity: ~0.78 g/seed; water index 1.245%
  • Cooking time: Average 34 minutes
  • Protein content: ~22%; fat ~1.8%.

• Altitude: Grown at elevations between 1,200 and 1,600 meters, in Posof’s typical mountainous areas with microclimatic influences.
• Climate: Semi-humid type; annual average temperature ~7°C, precipitation ~611 mm; the microclimate contributes to the region’s unique composition.
• Soil: Lithosol and chernozem soils with non-zonal structure, along with high mountain meadow soils; characterized by fertile and permeable structure with good water balance capacity.
• Production methodology: Traditional.
• Autumn: Deep plowing + organic manure application
• Spring sowing: Late May to early June
• Irrigation: Furrow method; followed by successive hoeing and weed control.
• Harvesting begins in early August; beans are hand-picked until the first frost of winter, then sun-dried and threshed.

Posof bean is the fourth product in Ardahan to receive geographical indication status; this registration aims to protect and brand local products.

Following registration, Çetin Demirci, President of Ardahan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that promoting the product would contribute to rural development and enhance the value for producers.

The product has been introduced by SERKA (Serhat Development Agency) among other geographically indicated local products.