Harvest begins for Turkey's EU-registered Araban garlic

The fertile lands of the Araban Plain in Turkey are buzzing with activity as the 2026 harvest of the renowned Araban garlic commences. This locally grown specialty, recognized with EU registration, is celebrated for its distinctive aroma, large cloves, extended shelf life, and superior quality, making it one of Turkey's most important agricultural products.

Farmers have been working diligently in the fields since early morning, carefully extracting the garlic bulbs from the soil after a nine-month growing period. The harvested garlic is then gathered into bundles and transported to drying areas. The start of the harvest has injected significant economic momentum into the Araban Plain, benefiting local agricultural workers and the broader regional economy.

Hasan Altun, head of the Araban Chamber of Agriculture and Garlic Producers' Union, announced the start of the harvest. "The 2026 harvest of Araban garlic, which grows in the fertile soils of the Araban Plain and has a long nine-month period between planting and harvest, has begun," Altun stated. He highlighted the garlic's substantial contribution to the national, regional, and local economies. This year, cultivation spanned 30,000 decares (approximately 7,400 acres), and producers anticipate a high yield, partly due to beneficial rainfall in the region.

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The 2026 harvest of Araban garlic, which grows in the fertile soils of the Araban Plain and has a long nine-month period between planting and harvest, has begun. Araban garlic production makes a significant contribution to the economy of the country, the region, and the Araban district.

Ismail Demir, a garlic producer from the Körhacıobası neighborhood, noted the high demand from traders and brokers across Turkey who recognize the quality of Araban garlic. "Traders and brokers who know the quality of our garlic and want to buy in bulk come from all over Turkey. They buy our product and sell it in their hometowns," Demir explained.

Araban garlic holds a prestigious position, fulfilling approximately 30% of Turkey's domestic garlic demand. Its global recognition is further cemented by its inclusion in the top five of "The World's Best Garlics" list compiled by Taste Atlas, a platform that reviews regional foods, beverages, and restaurants worldwide. This acclaim ensures Araban garlic's significant role in both the domestic market and international exports.

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Traders and brokers who know the quality of our garlic and want to buy in bulk come from all over Turkey. They buy our product and sell it in their hometowns.