Aydin Pumpkin Dessert Product Description and Distinguishing Features: Aydın Pumpkin Dessert is made from the fibrous species of pumpkin known as "öküz kabak" (ox pumpkin) locally, which belongs to the Cucurbita moschata family. The pumpkin slices are carefully cut to a thickness of 2 or 4 mm. They have a translucent appearance, and when pierced with a fork, they retain their firmness without breaking. The origins of Aydın Pumpkin Dessert trace back to ancient times, and it is especially popular during the Ramadan month, often appearing on iftar tables. A unique skill involved in its preparation is letting the pumpkin slices sit for a day after washing, which requires removing the seeds, soft fibrous tissues, and outer skin, while maintaining the exact thickness of 2 or 4 mm. These characteristics are unique to the region and require a certain level of mastery, making Aydın Pumpkin Dessert strongly tied to its geographical origin due to its distinctive qualities. Production Method: Ingredients (for 6 people): - 3 kg pumpkin, - 1.5 kg granulated sugar (sucrose), - 1 cup chopped walnuts, - Tahini. The pumpkin is thoroughly washed before being sliced. After allowing the slices to rest for a day, the pumpkin is cut into pieces about two or three fingers wide. The seeds, soft fibrous tissue, and outer skin are carefully removed from the slices. The cleaned pumpkin slices, a key feature of Aydın Pumpkin Dessert, are then thinly sliced into 2 or 4 mm thick pieces and arranged in a wide, flat-bottomed pot. Granulated sugar is evenly sprinkled over the pumpkin slices. To preserve the pumpkin's natural aroma, the pot is covered and left to rest overnight. When cooking the thin pumpkin slices, the sugar should not be allowed to caramelize, so the slices are cooked over medium heat without disturbing their shape. The slices are either flipped or gently stirred until they begin to soften. Once the pumpkin slices are tender, the lid of the pot is removed, and the cooking continues until the syrup thickens. The process is considered complete when the pumpkin slices are slightly crisp when a fork is inserted, remaining intact, flexible, and elastic when lifted with the fork. The cooked pumpkin slices are flipped over and arranged on a tray to cool. Aydın Pumpkin Dessert is stored at temperatures between +2 and +4 °C and is best served chilled. It is recommended to serve it alongside tahini and chopped walnuts. Regarding the packaging and sale of Aydın Pumpkin Dessert, the following guidelines should be followed: Glass jars or food-grade tin packaging should be used. Since the product is recommended to be consumed within 2 years of production, the suggested consumption date should be clearly marked on the packaging. The product must be stored in a cool and dry environment. After opening the packaging, the product should be refrigerated at +2 or +4 °C, as indicated on the packaging. The product should be pasteurized at 80 °C before packaging.