Harvest continues in Urla: 50 TL at the market stall

In the Urla district of İzmir, producers are continuing their intense harvest work for artichokes, also known as a liver-friendly food. The harvest of the region-specific, geographically indicated gum artichoke begins in December and lasts until the end of May. While some of the products, carefully collected from the lush green fields in the early morning hours, are consumed with their leaves, others are stripped of their leaves and take their place on tables across Turkey in their 'artichoke heart' form. The artichoke, a gastronomic value of the region, is sold for 20 TL in the field and between 40-50 TL at the market stall.

'THANKS TO THE INTERNET, IT IS SENT EVERYWHERE IN TURKEY'

Urla Chamber of Agriculture President Muharrem Uslucan emphasized that the aroma of the gum artichoke grown in the region has no equal in Turkey, stating, 'The artichoke is a very old and deep-rooted product. In the past, it was only consumed in our region and in Istanbul. However, thanks to the internet, it is now known all over Turkey. During the pandemic, when our producers could not go to the markets, they turned to online sales. Now our artichoke reaches every corner of the country. In this process, our producers made a great effort, and with the support of cooperatives, our artichoke has become available everywhere,' he said.

Stating that climate conditions directly affect artichoke production, Uslucan said, 'The artichoke harvest ends at the end of May. The plant enters a resting period during the summer months. Some producers take a risk and revitalize it in August. If the winter season is mild, these producers can earn good profits. The harvest starts in December and continues until the end of May. This year, the weather was mild for a long time, but frost suddenly fell in mid-March. The products were damaged by the cold, and producers suffered serious losses. Fortunately, the cold did not last long, and the plants recovered quickly. However, drought continues to pose a serious threat, and conditions are getting a little harder every year,' he said.

PRODUCED ON 800 DECARES OF LAND

Uslucan noted the following:

"The artichoke was sold for between 40-50 TL in the market for a long time. Since the season is approaching its end, it is currently sold for 20 TL in the field and around 35 TL in the market. However, some of our producers process the artichoke by removing its heart. In that form, it is sold in the market for between 40 and 50 TL."