Rize Pepeçurası

Rize Pepeçurası is a registered dessert specialty unique to the city of Rize in Türkiye’s Eastern Black Sea Region, protected under a geographical indication. The registration process began with an application dated 22 November 2018 and was completed on 26 March 2021. The geographical indication application was submitted by the Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This product, registered under number 703, falls within the product group “desserts / bakery and confectionery products, dough-based items, sweets” and is protected under the category of “geographical indication”.

Distinctive Characteristics

Rize Pepeçurası is a dessert resembling muhallabi in appearance and texture, prepared using fragrant Isabella (Vitis vinifera Labrusca) grapes, corn flour, wheat flour, corn starch, powdered sugar, and water. These characteristics confer regional qualities both in terms of ingredients and production method. The primary ingredient, the Isabella grape variety, is known for its distinctive aroma and flavor, which distinguishes Pepeçurası from similar desserts.

Production of Pepeçura is primarily carried out during the period when fresh grapes are harvested. However, to enable year-round production, Isabella grapes harvested at the end of September are either stored in deep freezers or processed into grape juice, boiled, and preserved as canned product. These methods preserve the traditional form of the dessert while ensuring its continuity.

Production Method

The production of Rize Pepeçurası follows specific proportions. For a standard batch yielding four servings, the required ingredients are:

• 1 kg Isabella grapes
• 16 g corn starch (2 tablespoons)
• 8 g wheat flour (1 tablespoon)
• 8 g finely sieved corn flour (1 tablespoon)
• 170 g powdered sugar (1 glass)
• 1200 ml water (6 glasses)

After the grapes are crushed, they are boiled together with water. The cooking process continues for approximately 10 minutes until the color of the grapes transfers fully into the water. The resulting mixture is then strained to separate the grape juice from the pulp, and the juice is strained once more to clarify it. Corn starch, wheat flour, finely sieved corn flour, powdered sugar, and the remaining water are added to the clarified grape juice and mixed thoroughly. After approximately 20 minutes of cooking, a homogeneous and thickened mixture is obtained. The product is poured into bowls while still hot and left to cool, after which it is served. When sealed airtight and stored in a refrigerator, it can be preserved for up to five days.

Geographical Boundaries and Production Conditions

The production of Rize Pepeçurası may be carried out only within the boundaries of Rize Province. This requirement is mandatory due to the product’s intrinsic link to its geographical origin and the traditional knowledge and craftsmanship involved in its preparation. All stages of production must occur within these geographical boundaries to preserve the product’s distinctive characteristics.

Labeling and Usage Format

The product or its packaging must bear the term “Rize Pepeçurası” alongside the geographical indication emblem. If this is not feasible on the product or packaging, the term and emblem must be visibly displayed within the production facility.

Monitoring and Control Mechanism

Monitoring activities are conducted by a control authority comprising at least one expert from Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University and one from Rize Municipality, under the coordination of the Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Regular inspections are carried out during the second week of October, following the grape harvest season. Additional inspections may be conducted as needed.

Inspection criteria include:

• Production using fresh grapes harvested during the official harvest period,
• Production using frozen grapes or preserved grape juice outside the harvest period,
• Compliance with the established production method,
• Correct use of the geographical indication and emblem.

The control authority may seek expert support from public or private institutions when necessary. The registering institution conducts legal proceedings to safeguard the product’s rights.