Finike Orange

The Finike orange of Antalya is a citrus variety cultivated in the Finike district of Türkiye’s Antalya province and holds a registered geographical indication. This Washington Navel-type orange possesses a distinct aroma, quality, and color due to the region’s unique soil structure, alluvial deposits carried by the Akçay and Alakır rivers, and the microclimate created by surrounding mountains. Unlike oranges grown elsewhere, the Finike orange is distinguished by its seedless structure, well-defined segment count, and balanced acid-sugar ratio. It reaches its optimal consumption period for both domestic and export markets during December, January, and February. Its production relies on meticulous care including irrigation, pruning, and fertilization, and is the product of a strictly monitored agricultural tradition.

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The Washington Navel orange grown in the Finike region exhibits several distinctive features compared to oranges produced in other areas. The Akdağ mountain to the north and the Gülmez Mountain to the west are key geographical elements shaping the local agricultural environment. Alluvial deposits transported by the Akçay and Alakır rivers have altered the soil composition over time, resulting in a unique combination of air, water, and soil conditions. Orange saplings of the same variety planted elsewhere fail to develop the same color, quality, and aroma as those grown in Finike.

Finike oranges have an average fruit weight of 237.69 grams. The fruits measure an average of 78.36 mm in length and 77.53 mm in width, with a peel thickness of 5.26 mm. Each orange contains an average of 10.25 segments and is seedless. The dry matter content is 12.4%. The fruit is rich in minerals and vitamins. Harvested fruits reach ideal conditions for domestic consumption and export during December, January, and February.

The orange tree consists of roots, trunk, branches, and leaves. Orchard establishment is carried out using healthy, virus-free saplings. Grafting is typically performed on citrus rootstocks at a height of approximately 30 cm above ground level. As the trees grow and reach a height of around 80 cm, their branches spread outward and upward in a伞形 (umbrella-like) shape.

Trees generally begin producing fruit at the age of four to five years, during which the trunk thickens. Internal branches are pruned to allow for broader growth. By the time trees reach 10 to 12 years of age, the trunk diameter reaches approximately 20 cm. Fruits initially appear green and gradually turn yellow then orange starting in November.

The composition of the Finike orange includes the following:

• Juice content between 45% and 55%,
• Pulp weight between 45% and 54%,
• Acidity level between 0.5% and 0.9%,
• Invert sugar content at 6.45% (according to TS 3036 standard),
• pH value of 4.68 at 20°C (according to TS 266 standard),
• Brix value of 12.80 (according to TS 1466 standard),
• Total acidity (expressed as citric acid, mg/100 g) of 0.44 (according to TS 1125 standard).

Planting distances for orange trees vary depending on terrain slope, soil structure, and rootstock used. Generally, planting is carried out at intervals of 6.5 × 6.5 meters, 6 × 6 meters, or 6 × 7 meters. Trees begin flowering in April, depending on climatic conditions.

Fertilization and weed control commence in March. This includes the application of herbicides containing sulfosate or glyphosate-isopropylamine. Irrigation begins in April. Frequency of irrigation varies according to soil properties, with 5 to 8 sprinkler irrigations applied annually. In some areas, drip or spring irrigation systems are used to increase yield. Pruning is conducted in April to direct branch growth.

Summer fertilization is applied in June, prior to irrigation and weeding operations. Fruits develop from May onward and reach full size by November. With the onset of autumn rains, fruits lose their green color and turn orange, becoming harvestable from November onwards.

At the end of October, after the first autumn rains, trees are treated with copper oxychloride containing 50% metallic copper to protect against increased humidity and fungal diseases during winter. Spring fertilization is applied in February and March, while summer fertilization is applied at the beginning of June. Fertilizer quantities are determined based on soil and leaf analysis results.

Fruits can remain on the tree until December, January, and February under natural conditions. Alternatively, fruits harvested in December can be stored in cold storage at 5°C for approximately one month. Products are packaged in various types of packaging according to consumer and buyer requirements. Common packaging includes 2 kg nets, 16 kg crates, or 18–22 kg crates. Producers and packagers use their own brands or licensed packaging. For shipments made under the cooperative’s name, packaging bearing the cooperative’s logo is preferred.

Harvested oranges are transported to packing facilities where they are washed and cleaned. They are then shipped to market in 12–13 kg packages.

Compliance of Finike oranges with established technical specifications is monitored under the coordination of the Finike Fruit Producers Union. The inspection process involves the Union Management Board, Finike Chamber of Agriculture, Turunçova Municipality, Antalya Directorate of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Antalya Western Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute, and Kumluca Chamber of Commerce. Inspections are conducted twice annually by commissions of at least three members, consisting of qualified engineers and local producers. Additional inspections may be carried out as needed or upon complaint, in accordance with Decree-Law No. 555.