Products that receive the coveted EU Geographic Indication (GI) are known for their unique qualities. It’s a label that not many products attain, as they must prove to be from a specific geographic location with distinct characteristics pertaining to that area.
Turkiye’s climate and fertile soils ensure the fresh produce available here is superb. In addition, the country’s cultural diversity has led to various interesting regional dishes originating from the towns and cities of Türkiye.
Up until 2023, a total of nine vegetables, nuts, fruits, and desserts were officially listed as Turkish GI products, with another 45 products in application.
Here’s a look at those that made it onto the EU Turkish GI product list.
Aydin’s Figs
Have you tried figs from Aydin? If not, do, as they are delicious!
The mountainous region of Aydin in Izmir Province accounts for around 70% of the world’s fig production. These fruits used to be known as Smyrna Figs, after the ancient name of Izmir, but the European Commission recognised them as Aydin Figs in 2016 when they received their official PDO (GI), as most of the production now takes place in this area.
Aydin figs are recognised for their distinctive pear-shaped case, sweet taste, and yellow colour. During their harvest in August and September, the fresh figs are outstanding, and we can arrange for boxes of the best organic figs from Aydin to be delivered to the yacht. Dried Aydin figs, fig pastes, and fig preserves are available year-round.
Aydin’s Chestnuts
Another one of the fabulous Turkish GI products from Aydin is the local chestnut, which grows in the plateaus near the Büyük Menderes River.
Distinguished by their shiny appearance, size, and soft flesh, they are considered one of the most fragrant and tasty varieties of chestnut and a must-try if you’re in Türkiye during the winter months.
Aydin chestnuts are easy to peel and fabulous roasted on the fire. They are also used in many creative ways by local chefs – they even appear in kebabs and candy when they are in season, so do try them if you get the chance.
Malatya’s Apricots
The fertile plains around Malatya in Eastern Anatolia are famed for their apricots. The region produces almost 95% of the world’s dried apricots and about 50% of the fresh fruits.
Malatya apricots were awarded their EU geographical indication in 2017, making them the second Turkish GI products to receive this coveted classification.
The gold apricots from Malatya are far bigger and sweeter than other varieties, including those from California. They are picked in June and early July, and the region holds a special apricot festival to celebrate the harvest during this time.
Sun-dried Malatya apricots, jams, and preserves are available year-round, so let us know if you want us to add the fresh or dried variety to your yachting provision lists – you won’t be disappointed!
Antep Baklava (Gaziantep)
Those of you who have read our post on Turkish baklava will know it is the country’s most famous dessert and that there are many regional varieties. Still, the best baklava comes from Gaziantep (Antep) and is filled with delicious local ground pistachios and traditionally served with Turkish clotted cream (Kaymak).
Baklava is said to have been created by talented Ottoman pastry chefs at Topkapi Palace, and it is one of Türkiye’s most delicious and indulgent desserts. What sets Antep baklava aside from other varieties is the use of the fine local pistachios, which are layered generously between ultra-thin sheets of butter-brushed phyllo pastry, baked until crisp, and covered in a sweet, hot sugar and lemon syrup.
Gaziantep Baklava received recognition as a Turkish GI product for good reason, and it is a sweet treat ideal for serving on board at a Turkish night, celebration, or any afternoon tea party.
Milas Olive Oil
No provision list would be complete without ordering some fine Turkish olive oil, and the region of Milas in Muğla has two brands considered some of the best in the world.
Milas olive oil received geographical identification from the EU because of the quality of the ancient Memecik olives used, which are grown extensively in the region. These olives are rich in oleic and polyphenol acids and have an intense, distinctive aroma. The oil became popular during the Ottoman era and has remained the go-to for local home cooks and chefs ever since; therefore, it’s a great addition to any galley.
Taşköprü Garlic
Most yachting provision lists include garlic, so make sure you order Taşköprü garlic whilst in Türkiye, as it’s widely considered the best in the world.
You will recognise Taşköprü garlic from other varieties due to its white heads and pink-covered, creamy-yellow cloves.
Compared with other garlic, Taşköprü garlic has a distinct garlic aroma and bitterness. It is known for its medicinal benefits due to its high magnesium, iron, potassium, sulphur, and selenium levels, making it one of the most popular Turkish GI products.
Bayramiç White Nectarines (Bayramiç Beyazı)
You may not be familiar with Bayramiç Beyazı, as this Turkish GI produce only grows on the slopes of Mount Ida in Türkiye’s Canakkale region of Bayramiç.
This juicy, crisp, and refreshing fruit resembles a plum, has smooth skin, and ranges in colour from pale green to pale pink. These white nectarines hit the local markets between June and early September and are a great addition to the fruit bowl on the yacht. They can be used by chefs in many creative ways, so let us know if you would like some delivered.
Giresun Hazelnuts (Tombul Findigi)
For over two thousand years, hazelnuts have been grown in Türkiye, and now over 90% of the world’s hazelnuts come from the country.
The Giresun hazelnut is the most prized, known for its intense flavour and smell. they don’t leave a dry, nutty taste in the mouth. Giresun hazelnuts were recognised as one of the Turkish GI products in 2022, and they are grown around the Black Sea provinces of Giresun and Trabzon.
These flavourful nuts are generally sold roasted, made into pastes or spreads, or sold raw, all of which we can supply to the yacht.
Antakya Künefesi
The last of the great Turkish GI products we want to mention is Antakya Künefesi, which was listed in 2023.
This delicious dessert is unique and one of the few desserts in Turkiye containing cheese. It originates from Antakya in southern Türkiye, where the original recipe was handed down over generations.
Antakya Künefesi is made from a thread-like dough that resembles Shredded Wheat, called kadayif. This is then filled with local melting Antakya cheese, cooked with butter until golden, and then soaked in a sweet sugar syrup.
This delicious dessert is enjoyed throughout Turkiye, and many variations now exist in the Middle East and elsewhere. It’s a dessert that is ideal to serve on a Turkish night onboard or a great pastry to order at one of Türkiye’s many local patisseries or restaurants.
Add Turkish GI Products to Your Yachting Provisions
360° Yachting provisions team can supply all the Turkish GI products mentioned and everything else you need for the chef and the interior. We always support the best local and organic producers and suppliers where possible, alongside working with the best importers of international ingredients and gourmet produce.
If you require first-class superyacht provisions at any time, please CONTACT US.
