Arsin Fosha Hazelnut Product Description and Distinguishing Features: Arsin Foşa Hazelnut is a type of hazelnut grown in the Arsin district of Trabzon province. It is also referred to as "boyhane" within the region. The Arsin Foşa Hazelnut is sold on the market in its shell, either in jute sacks or in bulk, with a maximum moisture content of 12%. Historical records, including the Ottoman tax registers (tapu-tahrir defteri), document the presence and production potential of hazelnuts in the area during both the pre-Ottoman and Ottoman periods. Tax records from 1486 indicate that hazelnut farming was conducted at a taxable level in the region. It is evident that the harvested hazelnuts were transported to markets by the villagers for sale. The production data in the Trabzon Vilayet Salnameler (provincial yearbooks) show that hazelnut farming in the Arsin district, now part of Trabzon province, is recorded as the primary agricultural product of the region. In the Trabzon kadı sicils (judge registers) from the 17th century, there are frequent references to land disputes and inheritance issues related to hazelnut orchards, offering valuable evidence of the growing interest in hazelnut cultivation from the 1400s to the 1600s. The history of Arsin Foşa Hazelnut dates back to the Ottoman period and plays a crucial role in the economic life of the region. As a result, there is a deep connection between this geographical area and the esteemed reputation of this particular variety of hazelnut. Below are the phenological, morphological, pomological, and chemical characteristics of Arsin Foşa Hazelnut. Production Method: Planting Time The best period for planting is during the autumn months. Planting saplings in the fall allows them to develop absorbing roots over the winter. When these roots interact with the softened soil from the winter rains, it helps the saplings adjust quickly. Planting Spacing and Method The plantation system used for Arsin Foşa Hazelnut cultivation is the "ocak" (stump) planting method. Sufficient space should be given between the stumps to ensure the proper growth and expansion of the branches. Typically, a distance of 6-8 meters is recommended between the stumps, depending on the land conditions. For smaller and less fertile soils, this spacing may be reduced to 4.5-5 meters. Prior to planting, a hole with a diameter of 120 cm and a depth of 60 cm should be dug about a month in advance. The soil is divided into upper and lower piles. After a soil analysis, the necessary fertilizers are determined, and manure along with winter fertilizers are applied. Planting is done on the edge of the hole, 10 cm inward from the rim, with 45-50 cm spacing between stumps. Pollinator varieties are included in the planting at a ratio of 1/10 and are spread evenly across the area. 1. Autumn - Winter Pruning Autumn-winter pruning starts in the second half of October and may continue through November and December. During this time, the water movement in the Arsin Foşa Hazelnut slows down, most of the leaves fall off, plant growth halts, nutrient storage is finished, and the plant enters its dormant period. 2. Spring Pruning During spring pruning, any broken or distorted branches from the winter are removed. Additionally, in March, April, and May, the shoots that sprout from the base of the stump and grow vigorously as the spring leaves open are cut to clean the tree. Pruning Method When removing the main branch inside the stump, it is carefully cut with a saw at the soil surface. Special attention is given to avoid damaging surrounding branches. For larger branches, to prevent cracking, a portion of the branch's weight is removed by first cutting from the underside and then from the top. The remaining part can then be easily removed from the base. Pollination For Arsin Foşa Hazelnut, the male flowers bloom from January 10 to 20, while the female flowers bloom from January 20 to 30. The pollen, carried by the wind, reaches the stigmas of the female flowers and initiates pollination. The pollen tubes that travel to the base of the ovary remain dormant for 3-5 months while the ovary matures. By the end of April, the tubes show about 10% growth in volume. Starting in May, they enter a rapid growth phase. After pollination, the female flowers develop into ovaries. Typically, only one of the ovaries, which forms at the end of May or early June, is fertilized and grows. If both ovaries are fertilized, twin hazelnuts are produced. After the female flowers open fully, they retain their red color for about a month and can still receive pollen.