Kocaali Dried Dates Product Description and Distinguishing Features: Kocaali Date Raisin is a dried fruit product produced with the specified geographical production method from the unripe Trabzon date fruit, also known by names such as Trabzon date, paradise date, paradise fruit, and Mediterranean date, with the Latin species name Diospyros kaki L. in our country.When the date fruits used in production ripen, the inside becomes fibrous and takes on a brown color. It is desired to harvest the fruits to be dried before they fully ripen. At this stage, the fruit color is orange, and the taste is tart.Kocaali Date Raisin places importance on craftsmanship in the production stages. It has a connection to the specified geographical boundary.As for the product features of Kocaali Date Raisin; the dry matter content is in the range of 5-7%, it has a dark brown color and tones, a wrinkled surface structure with a powdery appearance, and a sweet taste. Production Method: Preparation of Kocaali Date Raisin In the production of Kocaali Date Raisin, the unripe fruits of Fuyu and Hachiya varieties of Trabzon dates, generally grown in a region suitable for drying, are preferred. Preparation of Fruits for Drying: The fruits to be dried are harvested approximately from the middle of October to the middle of November before they fully ripen. It is necessary to select fruits with uncolored skins that have not fully ripened and have not shown signs of softening for drying. Since the selected fruits are not fully ripe, they have a hard texture and a tart taste. As the color of the fruit darkens, the date peel becomes thinner and more transparent. The internal structure of the fruit takes on a jelly-like consistency. To tie the fruit for drying, it is essential for the fruit to have a stem. Therefore, care is taken not to break the stems when harvesting the fruits. The stems of the harvested fruits are cut into a T-shape using garden shears or similar tools. After peeling the fruits, they are prepared for drying by tying them with food-grade strings in a series. After peeling, the dates are arranged on food-grade strings of various lengths, depending on where they will be hung. The peeled fruits, tied to the strings, are immersed in boiling water for about 30 seconds. The dates removed from boiling water are ready to be hung. The dates are hung to dry in warm rooms or environments with suitable air circulation. In the drying process, care is taken to ensure that the fruits hung in series do not get wet, so environments protected from adverse weather conditions such as rain are preferred. It is important to ensure that the surface of the dates is in full contact with the air for proper drying, and they should not touch other surfaces or fruits. Kocaali Date Raisin is dried in protected, windy, and cool weather conditions for approximately 30-45 days. Additionally, it can be dried in closed warm environments heated to 28-35°C for 4 to 5 days. Moreover, drying can be carried out in cabin systems where temperature and humidity can be controlled technologically. Kocaali Date Raisin can be stored for up to 1 year in cool, dry environments that are protected from direct sunlight and free from odors. It is presented to the consumer in compliance with the relevant regulations, either in bulk or packaged, with appropriate label information.