Cukuroren Pepper Product Description and Distinctive Features: The clayey and chalky soil structure of Çukurören village, situated 350 meters above sea level, imparts unique characteristics to Çukurören Pepper, derived from the Capsicum annuum species.Çukurören Pepper is strung on cotton threads with a needle and sun-dried under natural sunlight. Some of the dried products are offered as they are, while others are processed in stone mills to be presented in the form of crushed red pepper in the market. In the production of Çukurören Pepper, each year, the seeds to be planted in the next growing season are separated as seedlings, preserving the unique structure of the product. Due to climate, soil composition, and other product requirements, Çukurören Pepper has become synonymous with the region in terms of planting time, harvest time, and production processes. Although the plants from which Çukurören Pepper is produced belong to the Capsicum annuum species and are perennial, they are cultivated as annual plants. The plant, which can reach up to 0.5 - 1.0 m, has a densely branched structure. The green or purple leaves are egg-shaped or lanceolate-egg-shaped, with flat edges. The flowers, emerging from the leaf axils, have five petals and five sepals. The fruit, initially green, turns red when ripe. Production Method: For the pepper seedlings to be planted in the upcoming season, peppers selected with care as seeds from the previous season are threaded onto cotton strings and dried. To prevent deterioration until the new season, the dried peppers are stored in cool and dry conditions inside breathable sacks. When it is time for seed planting, the seeds of the peppers stored from the previous season are separated and placed in a container. One day before planting, the seeds are soaked in warm water for approximately 8 hours. Seeds with distorted shapes or different appearances are sorted out, and the remaining seeds are prepared for planting. Planting of the seeds and germination takes place in March. For the cultivation of 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 pressed down slightly to prepare for germination. Water is provided twice a day, in the evening and morning, until the end of April, and the soil moisture should be between 65% and 70% after watering. In addition to watering, hoeing is performed to combat weeds.Once the seedlings have 3-4 leaves, and the root and stem lengths are equal, with a single growing tip, white and spotless roots, and cotyledon leaves that are spotless, shiny green, well-developed, and parallel to the ground, the unsuitable seedlings are removed, and the planting stage begins. Germination of the seeds into seedlings typically occurs in the first week of May, coinciding with the beginning of spring when temperatures start to rise. After planting, the temperature should not drop below 15 °C for a week. The field where the seedlings will be planted is deeply plowed in the fall and shallowly tilled before planting. The tilled soil is prepared for planting by creating furrows called "arik" through hoeing. Holes are then dug with a spacing of 80 cm between rows and 30-50 cm between plants, placing 4-6 cm deep in the mounds between furrows. The seedlings are planted in these holes during the warm hours of the day, with the furrows being watered, and immediately given a dose of water after planting. To prevent root collar rot disease, the root collar level should remain below the soil. After watering, the soil is allowed to dry thoroughly. About 3 days later, after the soil has dried, watering and hoeing are performed together. Subsequently, irrigation and hoeing are repeated three or four times at intervals of 3 days. Necessary fertilizers are applied to the root area approximately one week after planting. Due to the high altitude of Çukurören village above sea level and the harsh climate conditions, there is a high risk of frost damage to the Çukurören Pepper. Therefore, attention should be paid to the timing of irrigation and hoeing operations alongside seed planting. Failure to properly adjust the timing of planting and cultural operations can lead to significant crop losses