Türkiye’s diverse climate and fertile lands make it ideal for growing fruit throughout the year. From the sweetness of summer fruits to the crisp freshness of winter varieties, seasonal fruits in Turkiye are celebrated each week at the local markets. Malatya apricots, Bursa peaches, and Aydin’s figs are now considered some of the best in the world, and many fruits from Turkiye are known for their exceptional taste and quality.

Fresh fruit is a staple on most superyacht provision lists, so rather than simply ordering imported varieties, let us supply the best in local produce to the yacht when it is in season. Here is a look at the Turkish fruit varieties and when is best to pop them on the list.

Seasonal Fruits in Turkiye

Türkiye’s fields and orchards provide a fabulous variety of delicious and nutritious fruit throughout the year. Although we can arrange for the delivery of most fruit year-round, if you would prefer to sample the exceptional local produce, here’s what and when to add it to your provision lists.

Apples (September to January)

Apples play an important role in Turkish culture and cuisine. They are often used in traditional desserts like “Elma tatlısı” (baked apples) and savoury dishes like “elmalı tavuk” (chicken with apples). Apple tea is also a popular beverage enjoyed throughout the country. Turkiye’s varied climate results in a wide variety of crisp, sweet, and tart apples, including Golden Delicious, Starking, Granny Smith, and Red Chief, all ideal for snacking or serving to the guests onboard. We can supply apples year-round, but most local varieties are at their best from late September to late January.

Apricots (May to July)

Those of you who have read our article on Turkish GI Products may recall that Malatya Apricots are widely considered some of the best in the world. These golden fruits, with their sweet flavour and velvety texture, are a testament to Turkiye’s commitment to quality and tradition in agriculture. The country produces several varieties of apricots, each with its unique characteristics. The Hacıhaliloğlu apricot, for example, is known for its large size and sweet, juicy flesh. The Kabaası apricot is smaller in size but packs a powerful flavour punch, and the Şekerpare and Canino apricots are also delightful. The Turkish apricot season typically runs from May until July, so make sure to ask for some local apricots with your provisions during this time.

Avocado (October to April)

Turkish avocados may not be as well known as those from Central and South America, but they are gaining recognition for their quality and taste. They are primarily cultivated in the Antalya region and hit the markets here from October to April. The Hass avocado is the most common variety in Türkiye, known for its creamy texture and rich flavour.

Cherries (May to July)

Turkish cherries are not just a seasonal fruit in Türkiye but a symbol of the country’s summer bounty. Whether enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved, cherries are a delicious and nutritious treat and a great addition to the provision list from May to July. We can supply several delicious local cherry varieties, including Lambert and Napoleon, which are known for their taste and juiciness.

Chestnuts (November to January)

As the winter draws in, Turkish chestnuts, or “kestane” in Turkish, hold a special place in the hearts of the local people. Sold throughout the country from November until late January, they are typically roasted and enjoyed as a warm and comforting snack. Türkiye has a long history of chestnut cultivation, with Aydin chestnuts now a recognised GI product. Regions like Bursa are also known for producing high-quality chestnuts that are prized for their size, flavour, and creamy texture.

Figs (July to September)

The mountainous region of Aydin in Izmir Province accounts for around 70% of the world’s fig production, and figs from the region are another outstanding Turkish GI product recognised by the European Commission. Turkish figs are known for their distinctive pear-shaped case, sweet taste, and either deep purple or golden colour. We can deliver boxes of the best local organic fresh figs to the yacht from July to September and dried figs, fig pastes, and fig preserves year-round.

Grapefruits (October to March)

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit widely grown in Turkiye. The country’s warm climate is ideal for growing grapefruit, and the local varieties are bursting with juice and flavour. From October to March, we can supply the regular Turkish White Star and Rio and Ruby red-fleshed varieties.

Kiwi (September to December)

Packed with fibre and vitamins K and C, Turkish kiwi fruits offer a nutritious and attractive addition to the fruit bowl on board. Several varieties are grown in Türkiye, with Hayward the most popular, known for its fuzzy skin and vibrant green flesh. Turkish kiwis are harvested between September and December.

Lemons (August to April)

Lemons, with their tartness and versatility, are a staple provision for the chef and interior. Whether squeezed over salad or used to make traditional Turkish lemonade (limonata), lemons are an essential ingredient. Türkiye’s mild climate ensures we can supply fresh lemons throughout the year, but they are at their best from November to May. Popular local lemon varieties include Meyer, Interdonato, and Eureka.

Loquat (May to June)

Referred to locally as “malta eriği” or “yeni dunya,” Turkish loquats are a unique fruit that grows extensively along the Mediterranean coast during late spring and early summer. These small, round fruits have a distinct, sweet flavour and are typically marred and yellow and orange when ripe with juicy flesh and a large seed in the centre. Loquats can be enjoyed in various ways, either on their own or cooked into desserts or dishes.

Mandarins (October to March)

Mandarins are a favourite healthy snack for Turks, and the country produces several popular varieties, including satsuma and clementine. Other mandarin types grown locally include Freemont, Nova, Mihowase, Dobashibeni, and Okitsu mandarins, which all provide a refreshing burst of sweetness from October through mid-March.

Melon (June to September)

For many, yellow melons are a true taste of summer, and during the high season, we can deliver many juicy and flavour-packed varieties. Among the most popular varieties are the Kırkağaç and Diyarbakır melons, recognised for their rich aroma and succulent flesh. The Kırkağaç melon, also known as the “sugar melon,” is the go-to choice of many due to its high sugar content and intensely sweet and juicy flavour. Turkish melons are an absolute delight that shouldn’t escape the yacht when in season, so please let us know which variety you wish to order.

Oranges (November to May)

Türkiye is one of the world’s leading producers of oranges, with many varieties available from November to May. Varieties grown here include Jaffa, Navelina, Valencia, Cara Cara, Washington Navel, Fukumato, and Trablus. With their juicy flesh and refreshing taste, oranges are not only enjoyed fresh and juiced but can also be found in many incredible Turkish dishes and desserts.

Peaches and Nectarines (Late May to July)

Turkish flat and Paraguay peaches and nectarines are renowned for their exceptional sweetness and flavour, and Bursa and Manisa peaches are now widely exported when in season. They are usually enjoyed as a snack or used in a variety of dishes, from salads and desserts to jams and preserves. We can deliver the best local peaches and nectarines to the yacht from late May to late July.

Plums (May to September)

During the Turkish plum season, which typically lasts from late spring to early autumn, the markets across Türkiye are filled with these delightful fruits. Grown in various regions across the country, including Bursa, Malatya, and Amasya, Turkish plums benefit from the country’s diverse climate and fertile soils, so several varieties of plums are available. Popular varieties include Stanley plums, known for their deep purple skin and juicy flesh., and Santa Rosa plums, which have red skin and firm flesh. Turkish plums are available fresh from May to September.

Pomegranates (October to December)

During the autumn months, from October to December, the local markets are filled with ruby-red pomegranates. Turkish pomegranates are renowned for their flavour, deep red colour, and juiciness and are enjoyed fresh or juiced. Türkiye is one of the world’s leading producers of top-quality pomegranates packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent addition to the galley.

Strawberries (December to July)

From December until July, Turkish strawberries are a treat on the market stalls, known for their sweet, juicy flavour and vibrant red colour. Strawberries grow in many regions across Türkiye, including Antalya, Mersin, and İzmir, making them a healthy addition to any diet or yachting provision list.

Watermelon (May to Early September)

Watermelon is another taste of summer, and it is grown throughout various regions of Turkiye, including Antalya, Adana, and Şanlıurfa. One of the most popular varieties of Turkish watermelons is the Karpuz Kalın Kabuk or Thick-Rind Watermelon, known for its dark green rind and deep red, sweet and juicy flesh. These watermelons are prized for their high sugar content and are enjoyed fresh as a cool and hydrating snack during the long, hot summer months. Another popular local variety is the Çekirdeksiz, or Seedless Watermelon, which has very few seeds, as the name suggests. These watermelons are often preferred for their convenience and ease of eating, especially in salads, juices, and desserts.

Yachting Provisions: Order The Best Seasonal Fruits in Turkiye

Adding a selection of the best seasonal fruits from Türkiye to your yachting provisions is easy by contacting the 360 Yachting Provisions team. Although we can supply imported fruit year-round, by choosing the best in seasonal local produce, you support the exceptional local farmers and producers and receive the freshest and most flavorful produce available. To know more about seasonal fruits in Türkiye or to add a selection to the list now, please GET IN TOUCH.