Şaphane Cherry

Şaphane cherry is a variety of cherry native to the Kütahya province of Türkiye, belonging to the species Prunus cerasus L.. This cherry variety is protected under a Geographical Indication Certification. It is cultivated at elevations of 900–1100 meters above sea level in the central district of Kütahya, as well as in the districts of Şaphane, Pazarlar, and Simav.

The distinctive characteristics of the product arise from the ecological conditions of its growing region. Cultivation at elevations of 900–1100 meters enhances fruit size, taste, and aroma. The fruit is broadly heart-shaped with a blunt apex and has a glossy, firm, dark red skin. The flesh is dark red, low in fiber, and partially attached to the stone. It has a sweet, mayhoş flavor and is aromatic. The high temperature difference between night (12–15 °C) and day (29–32 °C) during harvest season hardens the fruit skin, providing an advantage for long-distance transportation. Şaphane cherry is primarily used in the fruit juice industry.

^{Harvesting Process of Şaphane Cherry (}Anadolu Ajansı⁾

The distinctive physical and chemical parameters of Şaphane cherry have been determined. Fruit weight ranges from 4.2 to 5.7 g, width from 18.5 to 23 mm, length from 17.5 to 22 mm, and height from 17 to 21 mm. The stalk length is 5.5–7 cm with a stalk weight of 0.1–0.2 g, while the stone weight is 0.3–0.4 g. Chemically, the fruit has a pH of 3.1–3.2, titratable acidity expressed as malic acid of 1.20–1.55%, and soluble solids content (Brix) of 16–19%. Fruit flesh firmness measures 0.44–0.48 kg, and juice content varies between 42% and 52%. The average yield per tree is 25–30 kg.^【1】 

Şaphane cherry production is carried out using specific methods and control procedures.

1. Orchard Establishment: Land with high water retention capacity and high elevation is preferred. Planting distances are determined according to land type: 6 m between rows and 5 m within rows on flat terrain; 3 m between rows and 4 m within rows on rocky terrain. South-facing slopes are preferred for early harvest.
2. Fertilization: Especially during the initial establishment phase, 2–3 tons of composted farmyard manure per hectare are applied, repeated every two years. Excessive fertilization during tree development delays fruit formation and is therefore discouraged. On mature trees, inorganic fertilizers are applied based on soil and leaf analysis results.
3. Pruning: Cherry trees are generally pruned using a modified leader system (modified central leader) due to their tendency to develop broad canopies.
4. Harvesting: Fruits reaching maturity are hand-picked with their stalks intact between 20 June and 30 July. This method prevents damage to the fruit and spur branches. Harvested cherries are transported to fruit juice processing plants on the same day.

^{Image of Şaphane Cherry (}Anadolu Ajansı⁾

Specific information regarding the storage and preservation conditions of Şaphane cherry is not available. However, it is noted that the firm skin structure developed due to high temperature variation during harvest provides an advantage for long-distance transportation. The product is transported to fruit juice processing plants on the same day as harvest.

Compliance of Şaphane cherry with geographical indication standards is monitored by a control authority coordinated by the Kütahya Chamber of Commerce. This authority consists of four representatives: one from the Kütahya Chamber of Commerce, two from the Kütahya Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and one from the Şaphane District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Monitoring is conducted once annually during the harvest season; additional inspections are carried out within 15 days if a complaint is filed.

Monitoring criteria include fruit weight, soluble solids content (Brix), titratable acidity expressed as malic acid, stalk length, and correct use of the geographical indication logo. Additionally, production methods such as land selection, planting distance, and fertilization are also inspected for first-time orchard owners. Inspection records are archived by the Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and reported to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.