Turkey's indigenous red apple awaits patent

By Gunay Nuh

ARDAHAN, Turkey (AA) - An apple endemic to Turkey's northeastern Ardahan province awaits registration from the Turkish Patent and Brand Institution (TURKPATENT).

The Posof apple of Arhadan has red skin and flesh.

Ardahan Trade and Industry Chamber (ATSO) Chairman Cetin Demirci told Anadolu Agency that the file of registration is about to be completed. It will then be submitted to TURKPATENT.

"We are trying to raise awareness about this apple among farmers," Demirci said.

He said many people migrate from Posof district, but if the patent is registered it will trigger remigration.

Professor Seref Kilic, dean of the faculty of engineering of Ardahan University, said the apple grows only in Posof district in Turkey.

However, its production is diminishing and the university is providing technical support for the registration process.

Professor Gulsun Akdemir Evrendilek from the same faculty said the apple is not only important for the economy of the region, but it is also important for human health as it contains antocyanin and antioxidant.

"It is a fruit with high nutritional value," she said.