Urfa Flax Bean / Şanlıurfa Flax Bean

Urfa linen shirt pistachio / Şanlıurfa linen shirt pistachio are hard-shelled fruits derived from the “linen shirt” or commonly known “linen shirt” variety of the Pistacia vera L. species cultivated in Şanlıurfa province. This product was registered on 31.12.2020 and officially designated as a geographical indication on 16.09.2022 under registration number 1224. This pistachio variety, registered by the Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is based on the region’s climatic conditions and its long-standing tradition of pistachio cultivation. It is a local variety cultivated for centuries and possesses characteristics stemming from its status as one of the region’s central production hubs.

The distinguishing feature of Şanlıurfa linen shirt pistachio is the dark pink color of the outer fruit shell (mesocarp). While the hard shell is dark bone-colored, the inner kernel is green-rose colored. The outer shell has a silky, fibrous texture. The overall tree growth is weak and appears semi-upright. Shoot density is strong, but shoot length is short. The leaf stalk is short, the leaves are dark green and thick. The fruits have low resistance to detachment from the cluster.

Fruits are named according to their stage of maturity: those harvested early while still unripe have a bright green interior and are called “boz”; those harvested when fully mature are called “ben”. The moisture content of the dried fruit must be between 3% and 5%.

The production process of Urfa linen shirt pistachio consists of the following stages:

Grafting: The product is propagated by grafting onto rootstocks obtained from linen shirt pistachio seeds.

Soil Preparation:

Fertilization: Fertilization is carried out according to the requirements determined by soil and leaf analyses.

Pruning: Pruning is done at the tips of shoots or branches. Balance is maintained among main branches; branches intended for rapid growth are pruned more heavily. The angle between the main branches and the trunk is maintained at 45–60 degrees. No stubs are left during major branch cuts, and grafting wax is applied.

Harvesting: Harvesting begins in the first week of August for early harvest and in the first week of September for normal harvest, depending on climatic conditions. Harvesting starts when 1–3% of the fruits have fallen to the ground. First, the fallen fruits are collected, then a tarp is spread beneath the trees and clusters (cumba) are manually detached.

Drying: Fruits separated from their stalks and empty shells are spread in layers no thicker than 3–5 cm on compacted earth floors or cloths in drying areas. They are dried until their moisture content reaches 3–5%, then sieved and stored.

Shelling / Cracking / Dehulling: The outer shell is separated from the hard shell. Dried and roasted pistachios have their hard shells longitudinally cracked mechanically.

Roasting: Shelled and dehulled pistachios are roasted under conditions determined by skilled operators, with constant stirring.

Storage and Preservation: In-shell pistachios can be stored for 9–24 months at 1–10°C and 65–75% relative humidity. In-kernel pistachios under the same conditions can be stored for 1 year. Under vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging, they can be preserved for 1–2 years. Frozen at −18°C, they can be stored for up to 3 years.

The geographical boundary of Şanlıurfa linen shirt pistachio is Şanlıurfa province. The product or its packaging must bear the designation “Urfa linen shirt pistachio / Şanlıurfa linen shirt pistachio” and the geographical indication emblem.

Inspections are conducted at least once annually under the coordination of the Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The inspection body includes at least three experts from the Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce, Şanlıurfa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Şanlıurfa (Haliliye) Agricultural Chamber, and Harran University Faculty of Agriculture, all specialized in pistachio production.

The inspection criteria are as follows:

• Appropriateness of the pistachio variety used in production.
• Verification that pistachios are grown within the geographical boundary (via producer receipt or declaration).
• Compliance with production methods (harvesting, drying, shelling/cracking/dehulling, roasting, storage and preservation conditions).
• During harvest, fresh pistachios and after harvest, dried pistachios must exhibit a dark pink outer shell, dark bone-colored hard shell, and green-rose colored inner kernel.
• Proper use of the designation “Urfa linen shirt pistachio / Şanlıurfa linen shirt pistachio” and the geographical indication emblem.