Isikeli Chickpea Brown Description and Distinctive Features of the Product: Işıkeli Chickpea Coffee is a unique coffee variety produced in the village of Işıkeli, located in the Biga district of Çanakkale province. It is made by roasting chickpeas at a controlled temperature between 200-250 °C and then grinding them to a fine size of 200-300 microns. The coffee is sold in 200-gram packages using aluminum barrier packaging to protect it from air exposure. Prior to brewing, the powdered Işıkeli Chickpea Coffee contains approximately 5.5% protein and 8% fat in its dry matter, and it is completely caffeine-free. The color characteristics of the powder, based on the C.I.E color system, are measured as L=47-49, a=7-8, and b=18-19. To prepare Işıkeli Chickpea Coffee, it is combined with baking soda, white sugar (optional), and water. Traditionally, this beverage is made without sugar and is enjoyed alongside dried grapes. Today, it is often accompanied by Turkish delight or chocolate. The chickpeas used in making Işıkeli Chickpea Coffee are small-sized varieties known as "yellow chickpeas," which are also cultivated within the designated geographical area. These yellow chickpeas are notable for their small size, slightly irregular round shape, resilience to pests and weather, and measure approximately 5-7 mm in diameter. The tradition of Işıkeli Chickpea Coffee dates back to ancient times and plays an important role in both the culinary heritage and economy of Işıkeli village. Because of its cultural and regional significance, it has been granted a geographical indication. Production Method: The chickpeas used in the production of Işıkeli Chickpea Coffee are sourced exclusively from within the designated geographical area. After thorough washing with water, the yellow chickpeas are spread evenly on trays and gently roasted in a wood-fired oven at temperatures ranging from 200-250 °C. Depending on the season and moisture level of the chickpeas, the roasting takes between 2 to 4 hours. To avoid burning, the chickpeas are occasionally stirred with care during the roasting process. Once fully roasted, the chickpeas are ground to a fine size of 200-300 microns using a hammer coffee grinder. The final product is packaged in 200 gram portions using aluminum barrier packaging to protect it from air exposure. To prepare one serving of Işıkeli Chickpea Coffee, the following ingredients are used: - 10-12 g Işıkeli Chickpea Coffee - 1-2 g baking soda - White sugar (optional; 2.0-2.5 g for low sweetness, 3.0-3.5 g for medium, 4.5-5.0 g for sweet) - 70-75 ml hot water In a cezve (Turkish coffee pot), the Işıkeli Chickpea Coffee, baking soda, optional sugar, and hot water are mixed thoroughly and brewed at approximately 90-95 °C. The coffee is then served fresh after brewing. Traditionally, Işıkeli Chickpea Coffee is prepared without sugar and accompanied by dried grapes. In modern times, it is frequently enjoyed alongside Turkish delight or chocolate.