Ankara: The EU has officially registered Turkey's renowned Kirkagac melon as a geographically indicated product, confirming its place on the EU's Protected Designation of Origin list. This development underscores the unique connection between the melon and its native Aegean region, particularly the Kirkagac area, where it is exclusively grown.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kirkagac District Governor Zafer Oktay revealed that the application process for EU registration began in 2021, following the melon's national registration by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office in 2008. Oktay emphasized that this recognition marks a significant milestone for the district, enhancing the fruit's international appeal.
The Kirkagac melon is distinguished by its thick greenish-yellow skin, juicy flesh, and a unique aroma reminiscent of linden flowers. It is available in two varieties: Kirkagac-589 and Kirkagac-637, also known as Altinbas. These melons are celebrated for their high sugar content, resistance to cracking, and an impressive shelf life of up to six months.
Cultivated exclusively in the Kirkagac Plain within the Bakircay Basin, the melons benefit from the region's specific climate and soil conditions, which contribute to their robust structure and intense sweetness. The area's clayey-calcareous soil, dry summers, and abundant sunshine play a crucial role in the melon's development.
Kirkagac Mayor Ustun Donmez highlighted the economic benefits of the EU registration, noting that it would likely increase demand for the melon. He also mentioned ongoing research and development efforts aimed at creating new products derived from melons, such as beverages from seeds and jams from rinds.
The EU's listing mandates that the entire production process, from seed selection to harvesting, must be confined to the Kirkagac district. It also specifies that melons should be transported with special care using techniques like quilt wrapping to prevent damage. Packaging or point-of-sale displays must feature the EU logo along with the phrase 'Kirkagac Kavunu (melon).'
The annual Kirkagac Melon Festival, a tradition since the 1970s, continues to celebrate the region's agricultural legacy, bolstering the local economy and supporting producers.