Midyat Acuru

Midyat acuru is a vegetable variety cultivated for many years in the Midyat district of Mardin, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family and well adapted to dry farming. This product, protected under geographical indication, belongs to the genus Cucumis and consists of two types: the long, light green Cucumis melo var. flexuosus and the round, dark green Cucumis anguria. Midyat acuru is produced entirely without the use of any chemical inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, or hormones, and is preferred not only for daily fresh consumption but especially for pickling.

Midyat acuru belongs to the genus Cucumis and includes two varieties: Cucumis melo var. flexuosus and Cucumis anguria. The morphological features of both varieties are described below:

• Cucumis melo var. flexuosus (Long Variety)
• • Vegetable Length: 8 cm – 10 cm
  • Vegetable Width: 2 cm – 3 cm
  • Vegetable Color: Light green
  • Shape: Long and vertically oriented
  • Usage: Daily consumption and pickling production

• Cucumis anguria (Round Variety)
• • Vegetable Length: 10 cm – 20 cm
  • Vegetable Width: 4 cm – 8 cm
  • Vegetable Color: Dark green
  • Shape: Round
  • Usage: Primarily for table consumption

Midyat acuru stands out for its resilience to dry farming conditions, and no chemical inputs (pesticides, hormones, fertilizers, etc.) are used in its production.

The production process of Midyat acuru is based exclusively on the use of seeds obtained within the designated geographical boundary. The details of the production method are as follows:

• Seeds are obtained by drying fruits harvested in the previous growing season within the geographical boundary.
• Seeds intended for sowing are soaked in water 1 to 2 days before planting to enhance moisture absorption.
• Seeds are sown at intervals of approximately 50 cm, with multiple seeds placed at each point.
• After germination, excess sprouts at each point are thinned to leave only one healthy plant.
• As seedlings grow, the space between them is cultivated along the field to ensure proper aeration.
• No irrigation is applied; Midyat acuru thrives under dry farming conditions.
• Harvesting is carried out gradually. For table consumption, harvesting is recommended every two days; for pickling production, daily harvesting is preferred.
• Harvesting begins in the second week of July and continues until autumn temperatures fall below the level required for optimal plant development.

The most common method of consuming Midyat acuru is as pickles. The pickling process is as follows:

1. The acuru fruits are washed.
2. Dill and garlic are placed at the bottom of the pickling jar.
3. Chili peppers may be added optionally.
4. The acuru fruits are arranged inside the jar.
5. A brine solution of 1 cup of salt per 3 liters of water is poured over the fruits.
6. The jar is sealed tightly to prevent air entry.
7. The pickles are stored in a cool, shaded environment and reach optimal maturity for consumption after approximately three weeks.

Midyat acuru is cultivated under region-specific climatic conditions and carries a geographical indication and appellation. Consequently, all production, processing, and related activities must be conducted exclusively within the administrative boundaries of the Midyat district of Mardin Province.

The designation “Midyat Acuru” and its official appellation emblem must appear on the product itself or its packaging. When this is not feasible on the product or packaging, the marking must be displayed in a clearly visible location within the production facility.

The production and processing of Midyat acuru are monitored by a three-member oversight body established under the coordination of the Midyat Municipality. This body consists of one expert representative each from the Midyat Municipality, the Midyat District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Midyat Chamber of Agriculture. Monitoring is conducted:

• At least once annually on a regular basis,
• And at any time as needed or upon complaint.

During monitoring, the following are verified:

• Seed preparation procedures,
• Compliance of the product’s physical characteristics with standards,
• Adherence to the prescribed production method,
• Correct use of the designation “Midyat Acuru” and its official appellation emblem.

The oversight body may utilize or procure services from experts employed by public or private institutions or organizations. The registering authority is legally responsible for enforcing the legal procedures necessary to protect the geographical indication rights of the product.