Hamsiköy Rice Pudding Product Description and Distinguishing Features: Hamsiköy is situated on the slopes of Mount Zigana. The name Hamsiköy refers collectively to five villages: Hamsiköy, Çıralı, Güzelyayla, Dikkaya, and Başar. The region’s altitude ranges from 1200 meters up to 1600 meters. Thanks to the maritime influence from the northern side of Mount Zigana, the area experiences heavy rainfall. As a result, the mountain’s vegetation, meadows, and pastures stay lush and green throughout much of the year. In contrast, the southern slopes facing inland feel less impact from the Black Sea, displaying more of a continental climate effect. The Hamsiköy area, located in the transitional zone between Trabzon and Gümüşhane, showcases a rich variety in both climate and plant life. The diverse vegetation is a result of the combined influences of the Black Sea climate and the inland weather conditions. In the northern parts of Hamsiköy facing the Black Sea, the landscape is dominated by dense, green vegetation. Moving southwards towards the inland regions, the plant life adapts to a drier, more continental climate. Plants in these southern areas often have strong aromatic qualities and sharp fragrances. These unique properties of the local flowers and seeds greatly affect the taste of the milk produced in the region. The dietary fiber requirements of the dairy cows are fully supplied by the natural pastures of Hamsiköy and the native plants found there. The milk used for desserts comes from cows grazing on these flavor-rich plants, which vary due to the distinctive climate of the region. Production Method: To prepare Hamsiköy Rice Pudding, the typical ingredients include about 1 liter of raw cow's milk, 60 grams of rice, 70 grams of sugar, and half a teaspoon of salt. These quantities can be scaled proportionally; for instance, if you use 20 liters of milk, the other ingredients should be multiplied by 20 accordingly. This dessert can be enjoyed with cinnamon and/or hazelnuts, which can be served either on the side or sprinkled on top, based on the consumer’s preference. Cooking the rice pudding requires two pots. First, bring the milk to a boil in the initial pot, then pour it into the second pot. Next, add the rice to the boiling milk without breaking the grains and gently stir with a ladle while cooking. Once the milk and rice begin to boil together, stir the mixture every 5 minutes. The cooking process usually takes about 40-45 minutes. After this, add the sugar and salt, and continue cooking for another 10-20 minutes. The exact time depends on the type of milk used; full-fat milk cooks faster while skimmed milk requires longer cooking. To check if the pudding is ready, take a spoonful of the mixture and let it fall from a height; if it flows smoothly and continuously like honey, it is cooked. There are two versions: Fresh Rice Pudding, where the milk, rice, and sugar are cooked together, and Baked Rice Pudding, where the pudding is placed in the oven briefly to form a dark crust on top. Baking enhances the pudding's texture and extends its shelf life. It is important to store the pudding in cold conditions, and it can be enjoyed hot, warm, or cold.