Giresun Round Hazelnut

Giresun round hazelnut is a variety of hazelnut native to Türkiye’s Black Sea region and registered under its place of origin name. This product is primarily cultivated along the coastal areas of Giresun province and Trabzon, and is distinguished from other hazelnut varieties by its round shape, thin shell, high yield, and distinctive aroma. The kernel is easily peelable due to its delicate membrane structure and is suitable for consumption both raw and roasted, thanks to its high oil and protein content. The cultivation of this product requires specific conditions related to climate, soil structure, and pollination characteristics.

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Giresun round hazelnut is a variety of Corylus avellana protected under geographical indication. It possesses distinctive physical, chemical and sensory properties that differentiate it from other varieties. Its shelled fruits are classified with a roundness index of 1.11; the average weight is 1.46 grams and the shell thickness is 1.01 millimeters. The kernel yield is 52.4 percent, with approximately 670 to 730 shelled fruits per kilogram. The average size of shelled fruits is 16.3 millimeters, with length, width and thickness measuring 17.2 mm, 16.5 mm and 15.4 mm respectively.

The kernel itself is distinguished by its unique taste and aroma. It has a roundness index of 1.07 and an average weight of 0.96 grams. Its dimensions are 13.8 mm in length, 13.1 mm in width and 12.6 mm in thickness. The kernel size is 6 mm or larger. The kernel membrane (testa) is hairless and has a peelability rate of 96.6 percent. The oil content is 63.82 percent and the protein content is 16.92 percent. These characteristics determine the product’s suitability for consumption in both unprocessed and roasted forms. The shell is brown and glossy in color, with a lobed surface and a slightly hairy tip. The fruits grow in clusters known as “çotanak,” with an average of 3.45 fruits per cluster. The husks (the green outer covering of the hazelnut) are long, tapering toward the tip, and have a distinctly fringed structure.

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Giresun round hazelnut is cultivated in areas up to 550 meters above sea level under temperate climatic conditions. The optimal annual temperature range is 13–16 °C, with a minimum temperature limit of -5 °C and a maximum of 35 °C. The total heat requirement ranges between 2284 °C and 2572 °C, with an average daily temperature of 20 °C. Annual rainfall must exceed 700 mm and be evenly distributed throughout the year. A key criterion is that relative humidity must not fall below 60 percent during June and July.

In terms of soil properties, the plant thrives in soils with no high water table, a loamy-humus structure, and a pH between 5 and 7. The plant structure takes the form known as “ocak,” consisting of a shrub-like cluster of five to six branches, each 2–3 meters in height and 5–10 cm in diameter. This morphological structure directly influences fruit yield and pollination efficiency.

Giresun round hazelnut is a monoecious plant; male and female flowers occur on the same plant but in different locations. Male flowers (püs) and female flowers (karanfil) bloom in January. Pollination occurs when these two flower types develop simultaneously, and fertilization is completed 3–5 months later. To enhance productivity in orchards, auxiliary pollinators such as Palaz, Mincane, Foşa and Kalınkara varieties must be present at a ratio of 8–12 percent. Consistent use of a single pollinator variety is essential for maintaining quality standards.

The registered production area for Giresun round hazelnut is limited to the coastal strip extending from Giresun province to the districts of Beşikdüzü and Vakfıkebir in Trabzon. As a product protected under geographical indication, only products grown, processed, packaged and marketed within these geographical boundaries may be labeled as “Giresun Round Hazelnut.” Producers must submit documentation proving that their production occurs within these boundaries in order to use the designation “Giresun Round Hazelnut” on packaging.

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The monitoring process for Giresun round hazelnut is carried out by a monitoring body established under the coordination of the Limited Liability Hazelnut Sales Cooperatives Union (Fiskobirlik). This body consists of six members: three from Fiskobirlik (one of whom is the commission chair), one from the Hazelnut Research Institute Directorate, one from the Giresun Chamber of Commerce, and one from Giresun University. The monitoring body convenes at least twice annually and may also conduct inspections upon complaint or as needed.

Monitoring activities cover all stages from production to marketing. Data on production areas, plant development, farmer information, processing and sales processes are regularly recorded. The tracking and monitoring of these processes are managed by Fiskobirlik, which also fulfills the secretariat function. The primary objective of monitoring is to ensure product traceability and maintain an operational tracking system.

The monitoring body provides necessary information and guidance to stakeholders in the production chain, particularly producers, and issues compliance warnings when required. The development of the product is monitored through pre-season and post-season observations, and its conformity with the physical characteristics specified in its registration certificate is evaluated.

Due to its geographical indication protection, the product must be produced, processed, packaged and stored within the registered geographical boundaries. If any packaging bears the statement “Contains Giresun Round Hazelnut,” the relevant business must be able to document this claim and provide records indicating the supplier, date and quantity of procurement. Additionally, the geographical indication logo must be visibly displayed on product packaging or at sales points. The correct use of this logo is also under the supervision of the monitoring body.

The monitoring body may utilize the services of public institutions, private organizations or expert individuals and entities as needed during its inspections. Furthermore, legal proceedings related to the protection of the product are also managed by this body.

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