In Ordu, on 30 acres of land, strawberry grower Ali Bulut is selling strawberries to customers, which are harvested in both May and October, providing 3 seasons of strawberry sales.
In Ordu’s Kabaduz district, Bulut, who planted strawberry seedlings at an altitude of 1,200m, is harvesting this October. Bulut makes a statement to an AA correspondent, in which he states that around 3 years ago, he cut down his 17 acres of hazelnut orchards and planted 30 acres of strawberry fields, which were harvested for the first time in spring.
The strawberry harvest continues in October until the first week of November, states Bulut, “We are pleased that our customers can eat organic strawberries for 3 seasons.”
Bulut explains that it is hard to grow strawberries in the Black Sea region, but he has been successful, “We cover the strawberry fields with nylon tarpaulins in the event of cold weather. Because of this the harvest season extends.”
Emphasising that he cultivates strawberries without the use of chemical substances, Bulut says “We are very firm about this, which is why the majority of customers prefer to buy from us.”
Bulut explains his success, “Many sectors said that strawberries couldn’t be grown in the Black Sea region, but I managed it at an altitude of 1,200 even. It’s enough to use the right techniques. I process the soil right. I know how to protect it from the cold. After knowing this, there are no problems.”
Arab tourists love strawberries
“In the last few months, Arab tourists coming to the region have discovered the strawberry fields. The number of Arab tourists coming to the strawberry fields this year was very high. Each incoming tourist loved the strawberries. This made us very happy. I expect these tourists will increase further in the coming years." Customers are able to pick their own, organic strawberries from the fields.
Source: hurriyet.com