Aydin Fig Product Description and Distinguishing Features: The Aydın Fig, known as the Ficus carica (Anatolian fig) Sarılop variety, is primarily cultivated for drying purposes. Physical and Chemical Properties of Dried Fruit: Shape: Round or pear-shaped Skin: Thin-skinned Color: "L" value on the LAB scale between 60-80 Size: An average of 45-65 fruits per kilogram Moisture: 22-24% Water-Soluble Dry Matter (WSDM): 75-80% Organoleptic Characteristics: The figs are uniformly shaped and large in size, with a dense, honey-like interior. They leave a distinct and strong aroma in the mouth, accompanied by a sweet fragrance. The Aydın Fig is cultivated in a region with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The average annual temperature in this area ranges from 18-20°C. During the fruit ripening and drying period (August-September), the Aydın Fig requires temperatures between 30-32°C. The high temperatures during this time ensure optimal drying conditions, resulting in the best quality figs. The ideal annual rainfall for this region is between 625-670 mm. For drying, the period between August and September should be rain-free and cloudless. The average rainfall during this period ranges from 4.1-9.8 mm. Aydın Fig is specifically suited for drying, and the relative humidity level during the drying season plays a crucial role in maintaining the fig's quality. Low humidity results in thicker fruit skin, while high humidity leads to darker fruit and cracking, which significantly affects quality. During the drying period (August-September), the relative humidity is typically low during the day due to high temperatures. However, it increases in the morning and evening, allowing the fruit to absorb some moisture and preventing the skin from becoming excessively thick. In the area where Aydın Fig is grown, the average relative humidity during the day ranges from 32-37%, at night it is between 50-65%, and in the morning, it is between 72-79%. These conditions are ideal for fig drying. One of the key factors contributing to the unique characteristics of Aydın Fig is the influence of the prevailing winds during the ripening and drying period. The northerly winds (poyraz) and the sea breeze from the west, which dominate during August and September, create an ideal environment for drying Aydın Fig. The soil in the region is deep, ranging from 1-1.5 meters in depth, sandy-loamy, and rich in organic content. The primary soil composition includes gneiss-schist and gneiss bedrock. The groundwater level is located below 2 meters, and the soil's pH is neutral or close to neutral, between 6 and 7.8. These soil conditions are highly favorable for fig cultivation. The harvesting and drying of Aydın Fig, which has been cultivated in this region for thousands of years, have traditionally followed centuries-old methods. Tasks such as land preparation, pruning, and grafting require great experience and expertise. When selecting machinery for land processing, it is important to consider its impact on both fruit quality and yield. Pollination is an essential element in the cultivation of Aydın Fig. Harvesting is a delicate process, and ripe figs are carefully picked from beneath the trees, ensuring they do not remain too long on the ground. During transportation to the drying area, the figs should not be stacked on top of one another to prevent any damage to their quality. The knowledge of fig cultivation is passed down through generations, with local children involved in the cultivation, harvesting, and drying processes from an early age. They become the skilled workers and expert producers of the future.