Alanya Avocado Description and Distinctive Features of the Alanya Avocado: Originating from Mexico, the avocado is unique among fruits due to its high levels of healthy fats and an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals. Unlike many other fruits, it contains less sugar and is also a good source of protein. In the 1970s, several avocado varieties, including Fuerte, Hass, Bacon, and Zutano, were introduced to Turkey through the efforts of the country's embassies in the Americas. Their cultivation began along the Antalya-Mersin coastal region with support from the FAO. It was found that this area was ideal for growing avocados. Since then, avocado production has become increasingly important in Turkey, with 80% of the country's avocado output coming from Antalya. More than 80% of this production takes place in the Alanya and Gazipaşa districts, where approximately 60,000 trees cover 4,000 hectares. The geographical features of the Alanya region are marked by the Toros Mountains, which rise parallel to the sea after a narrow coastal plain. The eastern, western, and northern slopes of the Toros Mountains act as natural barriers against cold air and winds from the interior, providing a protective cold shield during winter. As a result, the region avoids harsh winter cold, with the temperature in January never falling below 12°C. Furthermore, the moderating influence of the sea helps maintain a milder climate, creating a unique microclimate in the Alanya and Gazipaşa districts. The variety of avocado cultivated in Alanya is Fuerte, which has a dark green, slightly textured skin, and a shape resembling a pear. Small greenish-yellow flowers appear in clusters from late autumn to early summer, depending on the variety of the tree. The flesh of the Alanya Avocado is a light yellowish-green color, and each fruit contains a large, single seed. Research has indicated that avocados grown in this region exhibit both morphological and nutritional differences compared to imported varieties. The fat content in avocados grown in Alanya and Gazipaşa ranges between 12.22% and 17.28%, whereas avocados from other countries show varying fat contents from 6.3% to 26.6% and 3.05% to 6.70%. Production Method: Although general avocado cultivation methods are used for growing Alanya Avocado, special attention should be given to certain factors. Avocados can be grown in open fields in Alanya. Climate Considerations: The Alanya Avocado is particularly sensitive to late frosts during winter and spring, low temperatures during flowering and fruit setting, sudden temperature changes, strong winds, and high temperatures during the seedling stage. Based on long-term climate data for Alanya, the average annual temperature is 19°C, with the hottest month being August at 27°C and the coldest month being January at 12°C. Alanya experiences a rainy and humid winter, as well as a dry and hot Mediterranean summer. The land selected for the Alanya Avocado orchard should be relatively protected from strong winds and not too cold. Temperatures below -2.8°C can be detrimental to the trees. Soil Requirements: For growing Alanya Avocados, the soil must be well-drained, deep, and rich in organic matter. The ideal soil should be loamy-sandy, loose, and have a neutral pH. The specific soil characteristics of the Alanya region are summarized in Table-4, which shows that the soil here is deep, abundant in organic content, loamy-sandy, loose, neutral in reaction, and properly drained.