The European Union has registered Türkiye's Kirkagac melon under the Protected Designation of Origin category, safeguarding its name within the EU. This acknowledgment ties the melon to the Aegean region of Kirkagac and its specific cultivation practices.
Kirkagac District Governor Zafer Oktay indicated that the registration process began in 2021, following its national registration in 2008 by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. "This is a major milestone for our district," he stated, highlighting the EU designation's role in promoting the fruit internationally.
The Kirkagac melon, identified by its thick, greenish-yellow skin and juicy flesh, is available in two varieties: Kirkagac-589 and Kirkagac-637, also known as Altinbas. The melon is noted for its high sugar content, resistance to cracking, and a shelf life of up to six months. Cultivation is confined to the Kirkagac Plain in the Bakircay Basin, benefiting from the area's clayey-calcareous soil, dry summers, and abundant sunshine, which contribute to its robust structure and sweetness.
Kirkagac Mayor Ustun Donmez remarked on the potential increase in demand due to this registration, stating, "We're working on research and development to develop new products like beverages from melon seeds and jams from melon rinds." The EU listing specifies that all production stages, from seed selection to harvesting, must occur within the district.
Transport of the melons involves specific techniques, such as quilt wrapping, to prevent damage. The EU listing mandates that the "EU logo and the phrase 'Kirkagac Kavunu (melon)' must appear on packaging or be visible at the point of sale."
The Kirkagac Melon Festival, an annual event since the 1970s, continues to highlight the region's agricultural heritage and its economic impact.
Source: AA