Yomra Apple is a local apple variety cultivated within the borders of Yomra district in Trabzon province, located in Türkiye's Black Sea Region, and is strongly associated with this region. On December 15, 2020, it received geographical indication registration as an appellation of origin, and the registering entity was Yomra Municipality. The registration application was submitted on February 17, 2020. Yomra Apple is categorized within the processed and unprocessed fruit group and covers the geographical boundaries of Yomra district, Trabzon province.

^{Trabzon Yomra Apple (AA)}

Botanical Characteristics and Morphology

Yomra Apple is also known as "yomur elma" among the public. The fruit shape is flattened at the stem end and slightly swollen in the middle. The peel color varies depending on sun exposure; it is generally a mixture of red, burgundy, orange, and yellow tones with hidden speckles on a green background. As it ripens, its tart taste diminishes, and the fruit flesh softens.

The fruit's stem cavity and calyx cavity are deep. The flower structure consists of five sepals, five petals, 15–20 stamens, and a five-loculed ovary.

Some Physical and Chemical Properties of Yomra Apple:

Yomra Apple is a species prone to parthenocarpy; therefore, fruit formation without fertilization can be observed. Due to this characteristic, the fruit usually contains no seeds or a very small number of seeds.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Some basic physical and chemical properties of Yomra Apple have been identified as follows:

• Fruit weight: 69.05 – 107.68 grams
• Fruit diameter: 58.06 – 68.66 mm
• Fruit hardness: 3.50 – 6.53 lb
• Titratable acidity (as malic acid): %7.40 – 9.30
• Seed count: 0.39 – 0.48 pieces
• pH value: 3.85 – 4.20

These parameters are key criteria that determine the fruit's structure in terms of quality and durability.

Production Process and Application Conditions

In Yomra Apple production, seedlings are propagated by direct planting or by using bud and scion grafting methods. It is essential to leave a spacing of 7 meters by 6 meters when planting the trees. Due to the climatic and soil structure of the region where it is cultivated, irrigation and fertilization are generally not required. Similarly, thanks to the plant's adaptation to environmental conditions, the need for chemical pest control is quite low. However, in rare cases, limited spraying may be applied against aphid (plant louse) pests that can emerge, especially in April and May. Furthermore, weeds and harmful plants growing around the trees are physically cleared by the growers.

Harvesting generally takes place in October and November. Fruits are carefully picked from the branch; to prevent bruising or damage, apples are detached with their stems, leaving about 2 cm in length. Apples located in the upper parts of the trees are harvested without damage using a special fruit picking tool made of fabric material.

Storage Conditions

Environmental conditions play an important role in the storage process. After harvest, apples must be stored under appropriate conditions. For this, cool and dark areas with a humidity level of approximately 70% and no direct light are preferred. Apples are kept in cool, dark, and soft-floored areas with a humidity level of approximately 70%. Cellars with soft flooring and suitable for air circulation can be used for this purpose. In local practices, traditional structures called “serandar” are also used as storage areas. If the humidity level in the environment is not sufficient, water containers are placed in the storage area to maintain humidity balance. The climatic conditions of Yomra district, especially the high humidity and low temperature differences after harvest, allow apples to be preserved for a long time without spoilage. In the pre-storage process, physically damaged or unhealthy fruits are separated to preserve product quality.

Ventilated cellars are suitable for this purpose. Traditionally, structures called “serandar” are also used in the region. If the humidity in the environment is insufficient, water containers are placed in the storage area to maintain humidity balance. The average high humidity and low temperature differences in Yomra district allow the fruit to be stored for a long time without spoilage. Before storage, damaged or unhealthy fruits are sorted out and separated.

^{Trabzon Yomra Apple (Created with artificial intelligence.)}

Geographical Production Boundaries and Inspection Practices

Yomra Apple can only be produced within the borders of Yomra district, Trabzon province. The product has a historical reputation link with this region, and all production stages - including propagation, cultivation, harvesting, and storage - must be carried out within these geographical boundaries.

The production and mark usage process is monitored by an inspection mechanism coordinated by Yomra Municipality. This mechanism is carried out by a three-person committee consisting of representatives from Yomra Municipality, Yomra District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and Yomra Chamber of Agriculture, at least once a year, especially during the harvest period. Additional inspections may be conducted when deemed necessary or upon complaint. During inspections, the conformity of the product's physical and chemical properties to registered standards, as well as the manner of use of the geographical indication phrase and appellation of origin emblem, are checked. Chemical analyses are performed when necessary.

During the inspection process, support can be obtained from experts working in the public or private sector, or services can be procured in this field. Procedures related to the legal protection of geographical indication rights are carried out by the registering entity.

Usage Form and Labeling

When Yomra Apple is presented to the market or in its sales packaging, it must bear the phrase "Yomra Apple" along with the appellation of origin emblem. If this use is not possible directly on the product or packaging, this phrase and emblem must be displayed in a easily visible manner at the establishment where the product is presented.

Inspection and Control Process

The production process of Yomra Apple and its conformity to geographical indication requirements are inspected by a three-person inspection authority established under the coordination of Yomra Municipality. This committee consists of representatives from Yomra Municipality, Yomra District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and Yomra Chamber of Agriculture. Inspections are carried out at least once a year, especially during the harvest period. Physical and chemical analyses are included in the process when necessary. The inspection authority can obtain services from public or private sector experts when needed.

Yomra Municipality is the institution that carries out legal processes for the protection of rights arising from the geographical indication.