Hamsiköy Rice Pudding Product Description and Distinguishing Features: Hamsiköy is located on the slopes of Mount Zigana. Hamsiköy is the collective name for five villages: Hamsiköy, Çıralı, Güzelyayla, Dikkaya, and Başar. The elevation of the region starts at 1200 meters and goes up to 1600 meters. Due to the sea effect on the northern side of Mount Zigana, it receives abundant rainfall. Consequently, the vegetation, meadows, and pastures on the mountain remain green for most of the year. On the southern and inland-facing slopes, the influence of the Black Sea diminishes, and a continental climate effect is observed. The Hamsiköy region, being in the transition zone between Trabzon and Gümüşhane, exhibits diversity in terms of climate and vegetation. The vegetation is rich in flora diversity due to the climates of both the Black Sea and the inland regions. In the northern parts of Hamsiköy facing the Black Sea, lush and green vegetation prevails. As you move towards the south to the inland areas, the vegetation changes due to a more arid and continental climate. Plants grown in the southern and inland regions tend to be more aromatic and have sharp scents. The various substances found in the flowers and seeds of these plants significantly influence the flavor of the milk. The roughage needs of the dairy cows are met entirely by the roughage produced from the free pastures in Hamsiköy and the local plants specific to the region.The milk used for the dessert is sourced from cows that feed on plants with varying flavors due to the region's climate. Production Method: Approximately "1 liter of raw cow's milk, 60 grams of rice, 70 grams of sugar, and half a teaspoon of salt" should be used in the production of Hamsiköy Rice Pudding. These proportions change in parallel with each other. For example, when using approximately 20 liters of milk, the amounts of the other ingredients should also be used in quantities obtained by multiplying 20.Hamsiköy Rice Pudding can be preferred by consumers with cinnamon and/or hazelnuts. In this case, it is possible to serve the cooked product with cinnamon and hazelnuts on the side or on top, according to the consumer's preference. To cook the rice pudding, two pots are required. In the first pot, the milk should be boiled and transferred to the second pot. Then, the rice should be transferred to the boiling milk without breaking it, and the product should be boiled by stirring carefully with a ladle. After the milk and rice have boiled together, they should be stirred approximately every 5 minutes. The milk and rice should be cooked for an average of 40-45 minutes. After cooking, sugar and salt should be added, and cooking should continue for about 10-20 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on whether the milk is fatty or skimmed; fatty milk requires less time, while skimmed milk requires more time. To determine if it's cooked, a spoonful of the mixture is taken and dropped from above; if it flows continuously like honey, it means it's cooked.Fresh Rice Pudding: It is the version where milk is cooked with rice and sugar.Baked Rice Pudding: The rice pudding is left in the oven for a while to create a dark layer on top. This application increases the consistency and shelf life of the rice pudding.It is a product that should be stored especially in cold conditions. It can be consumed hot, warm, or cold.