Cukuroren Pepper Product Description and Distinctive Features: The clayey and chalky soil composition of Çukurören village, located 350 meters above sea level, gives Çukurören Pepper, which is from the Capsicum annuum species, its distinct qualities. The peppers are threaded onto cotton strings with a needle and naturally sun-dried under the open sky. Some of the dried peppers are sold in their whole form, while others are ground in stone mills and offered in the market as crushed red pepper. In the cultivation of Çukurören Pepper, each year, the seeds intended for the upcoming growing season are selected as seedlings, maintaining the product's unique characteristics. Due to the climate, soil composition, and other essential factors, Çukurören Pepper has become closely associated with the region in terms of planting time, harvest time, and production methods. Although the plants from which Çukurören Pepper is harvested belong to the Capsicum annuum species and are technically perennial, they are grown as annuals. The plant typically grows to a height of 0.5 - 1.0 m and has a densely branched structure. The green or purple leaves are either egg-shaped or lanceolate-egg-shaped with flat edges. The flowers, which appear in the leaf axils, feature five petals and five sepals. The fruit, initially green, ripens to a vibrant red. Production Method: For the upcoming season's pepper seedlings, peppers carefully chosen as seeds from the previous season are threaded onto cotton strings and left to dry. To ensure they remain in good condition until planting, the dried peppers are stored in cool, dry environments inside breathable sacks. When it's time to plant, the stored seeds from the previous season are carefully separated and placed in a container. The seeds are then soaked in warm water for about 8 hours, one day before planting. Any seeds that appear distorted or abnormal are discarded, and the remaining seeds are prepared for sowing. The planting and germination occur in March. For cultivating peppers on one hectare of land, the seeds are spread over an area of approximately 25 m² using the broadcasting method. The soil is then lightly compacted to prepare it for germination. Watering is done twice a day, in the morning and evening, until the end of April, maintaining soil moisture levels between 65% and 70% after watering. Along with watering, hoeing is done regularly to control weeds. Once the seedlings have developed 3-4 leaves and their roots and stems are equal in length, with a single growing tip, white and clean roots, and cotyledon leaves that are healthy, shiny green, well-formed, and parallel to the ground, any unsuitable seedlings are removed, and the planting phase begins. The germination of seeds into seedlings usually takes place during the first week of May, marking the start of spring when temperatures begin to rise. After planting, the temperature should not fall below 15°C for at least a week. The field where the seedlings are to be planted is deeply plowed in the fall and then tilled lightly before planting. To prepare the soil for planting, furrows, known as "arik," are created by hoeing. Holes are then dug with a spacing of 80 cm between rows and 30-50 cm between individual plants, with the seedlings placed 4-6 cm deep in the mounds between the furrows. The seedlings are planted during the warmer hours of the day, the furrows are watered, and the plants are immediately given a dose of water after planting. To avoid root collar rot disease, the root collar should remain below the soil level. After watering, the soil is allowed to dry thoroughly. About three days later, once the soil has dried, both watering and hoeing are carried out together. Following this, irrigation and hoeing are repeated three to four times at 3-day intervals. Necessary fertilizers are applied to the root area about one week after planting. Due to the high altitude of Çukurören village above sea level and the harsh climate conditions, there is a significant risk of frost damage to the Çukurören Pepper. Therefore, great attention must be given to the timing of irrigation and hoeing operations alongside seed planting. Improperly timed planting and cultural practices can lead to considerable crop losses.