Eregli Black Carrot Product Description and Distinctive Features: The cultivation of black carrots, a key source of income for the region, began in the Ereğli district in 1940. The district is a national leader in black carrot production, achieving nearly 100% production efficiency. Ereğli Black Carrot is grown across 10,000 hectares in Ereğli and its neighboring villages, including Kuzukuyusu, Pınarözü, Sazgeçit, Selvili, Aşıklar, Türkmen, Çiller, and Kamışlıkuyu. While black carrots are mainly consumed locally in the form of turnip juice, over half of the production is exported. In the cosmetic industry, it serves as a natural food coloring and is also used in body and sun oils. In the food sector, black carrots are used in making carrot preserves, frozen products, jams, juices, or as a table vegetable. The origin of Ereğli Black Carrot lies in the Ereğli region, where the soil is rich in anthocyanin, a purple pigment known for its strong antioxidant properties. This high anthocyanin content in Ereğli soil gives the carrot its distinct dark color, setting it apart from other black carrots grown elsewhere. While most carrots typically contain 4 to 10 mg/100g of ascorbic acid, Ereğli Black Carrot has an impressive 26.40 mg/100g, making it a significant source of ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the soil in Ereğli has a lime/potassium ratio of 0.5, which is considerably higher than that of other black carrot-producing regions in Turkey. This favorable soil structure ensures that the carrots maintain their unique characteristics during growth. Ereğli's soil is light, deep, nutrient-rich, and well-tilled, with a pH level of 6-6.5, which makes it ideal for black carrot cultivation, as these carrots are sensitive to high acidity. Production Method: Seed Production: Carrots are harvested between October and December, leaving 2-3 cm of the leaf stalks at the top. These cuttings are then shaved, and the resulting pieces are planted in the soil at a depth of 2-3 cm in May. The seeds are collected from the flowers that bloom in August after the necessary harvesting and drying steps. The flowers are arranged in an umbrella shape, initially blooming on the main umbrella at the top of the plant. The umbrellas are organized in a sequence of primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary groups, with each level increasing in size. The primary umbrella is the largest, containing hundreds of flower stalks and flowers, which are arranged from the outermost to the innermost. During the flowering period, it is essential that plants are located at least 500 meters away from other carrot varieties to prevent cross-pollination. Planting: The optimal method for cultivating carrots is through row planting. The planting depth should be 2.5-3 cm, with 300-400 grams of seeds per acre being the standard amount. The seed sowing should follow row spacings of 25-30-40 cm. Germination occurs at temperatures above 10°C. Soil Preparation: In light-textured soils, carrots should be grown directly with proper nutrition, irrigation, and maintenance. The ideal soil structure for carrots is deep, loose, permeable, rich in organic matter, and containing adequate lime levels. Considering the root length of carrots, soil cultivation is performed 1-2 times to a depth of 20-25 cm. After the first cultivation, well-rotted farmyard manure is spread and incorporated into the soil during the second cultivation. If drip irrigation is to be used, boards are prepared accordingly. Once the plants emerge, water is supplied to the furrows created between the rows using a throat filling method. Carrot seeds have a late germination, which allows weeds to grow quickly, inhibiting the growth of the newly germinating carrots and covering them. Therefore, weed control is essential, as thinning and hoeing will be challenging. A weedkiller is sprayed with a sprayer during soil preparation. Afterward, the soil is worked to a depth of 5-8 cm, and seed sowing begins. Irrigation: Consistent irrigation is vital for the development of both the primary and secondary roots of carrots. A lack of water during the primary period results in a short carrot length, while insufficient watering during the secondary period prevents the carrot from properly thickening. Additionally, irregular irrigation can cause the carrots to crack, making them unsuitable for sale. To prevent this, either sprinkler or drip irrigation methods should be employed. Fertilization: The balance between nitrogen and potassium, which significantly impacts both yield and quality, should be properly adjusted. Ereğli Black Carrot prefers nitrogen in the form of nitrate. Potassium contributes to the increase in sugar content and enhances the storage capabilities of the carrots. Carrots are highly sensitive to salt, particularly during germination and early growth stages, so it is incorrect to fertilize during planting, as this may cause germination issues and create gaps in the rows. Inorganic fertilizers should be used sparingly during the early growth stages. Additionally, fresh manure should be avoided as it can alter the carrot’s color, turning them blue-red, and may result in premature flowering. If phosphorus deficiency is identified, and fertilization has not been done up to a week before planting, it should be carried out after the plants have completed germination and have 2-3 true leaves. For every hectare, 8-10 kg of pure nitrogen, 8-9 kg of phosphorus, and 12-16 kg of potassium fertilizer should be mixed into the soil at a depth of 10-15 cm at least two weeks before planting. To minimize nutrient loss through leaching, it is recommended that half of the nitrogen be applied before planting, with the remainder applied when the plants have 3-4 true leaves. Harvest: The harvesting of mature carrots can span several weeks from October to December. Carrots harvested too early may remain thin. Harvesting can be performed manually or with machinery, depending on the size of the cultivation area and the quantity of carrots to be sold. Carrots meant for storage should be harvested after they have fully ripened, ensuring no damage occurs during the process. The ideal storage temperature is between 3-5°C above freezing.