Düzce pumpkin expands from local Turkish farms to European markets

The Düzce pumpkin, grown in the İhsaniye village of Düzce, Turkey, has gained international recognition due to its unique aroma and durability. Local farmer Remzi Yalçın reports that the produce is now being exported to the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.

Despite the high humidity in the region, the pumpkins remain resilient, a quality that has driven significant demand. Consumers often deviate from major highways specifically to purchase the product. The popularity of the brand has also led to issues with mislabeling in larger markets like Istanbul, where some vendors reportedly sell different varieties under the ‘Düzce pumpkin’ name to capitalize on its reputation.

Local varieties include black pumpkin, white pumpkin, and the highly regarded ‘chestnut pumpkin’ (kestane kabağı), which is noted for its firmer texture and flavor. Other types, such as nutmeg pumpkin, are used for jams, preserves, and soups.