A gastronomical product in Bursa Cuisine; Orhangazi Gedelek pickles

Abstract

Gastronomic identity of a region, consists of products grown, produced and presented in ways specific to that region, as well as geography, history, ethnic diversity, dietary habits and table manners, dominant flavors, and recipes. The concept of cuisine identity tries to make the cultures self-identified with cuisine, determine use of local material and the effect of various cultures upon foods and beverages. Local products are one of the components of gastronomical identity. Protection of these products and conveying them to the future generations is of importance in terms of sustaining the gastronomical definition. In this context, the aim of the research study is to determine the characteristics of Gedelek pickles, which is specific to Bursa's local cuisine, in the culinary culture and to examine its production phases. The research was carried out with 12 local producers making home-made production in the village of Gedelek of Bursa Orhangazi town by means of face-to-face with semi structured interviews. The study includes the opinions of local producers about the production, gastronomic value, new product and production techniques and sustainability of these local products bearing geographical indications. The most distinctive feature of Gedelek pickles is the use of “Gedelek Pınarbaşı Spring Water” rising in this region. The fact that Gedelek pickles maintain a texture hardness value close to industrial type pickles is related to the hard water feature of the water used. While local producers producing home-made fermented pickles are open to new products and techniques, they refrain from mechanisation and industrial production would taint the features and taste of pickles. Conscious production, training, institutional support, and promotion to be given to local producers without downgrading the local products would help these local pickles with a protected geographical indication convey the future generations.