Winter isot harvest begins in Şanlıurfa, selling for 20-30 liras per kilogram
Fresh, geographically indicated isot peppers harvested from the Suruç Plain are offered for sale in sacks at markets, while citizens show intense interest for winter preparations.
As part of winter preparations in Şanlıurfa, the harvest season has begun for fresh isot grown in the Suruç Plain. Tons of red peppers are put up for sale in sacks at markets, finding buyers at prices ranging between 20 and 30 liras per kilogram.
From the Suruç Plain to the Market
Local isot peppers in the Suruç Plain, which was brought together with water within the scope of the Southeastern Anatolia Project, are harvested by hand from the fields in the early morning hours. Tons of fresh red peppers collected are transported to vegetable markets in the city center and districts.
Kilogram Price of Isot
The kilogram price of local isot in the markets, which citizens buy in sacks for their winter needs, ranges between 20 and 30 liras. The affordable prices bring a smile to the faces of both producers and consumers.
Traditional Preparation Process
Isot peppers transported from the market to homes in sacks enter a feverish and laborious transformation process in the hands of women from Şanlıurfa. Women put great effort into every stage from seeding to drying.
Sun Drying and Red Pepper Flakes
The cleaned peppers are spread out on rooftops and dried under the Şanlıurfa sun. The dried peppers are blended with olive oil, passed through machines to become red pepper flakes, and take their place in winter jars.
Economic Value and Yield
Agricultural Engineer Mehmet Bilgin pointed out the importance of isot for the economy, stating that planting was carried out on an area of 18,900 decares in Şanlıurfa and a fresh yield of 200,000 tons was obtained.