When we talk about cherry blossoms, it immediately comes to mind Japan, but ... what would you say if you knew that there is a valley in Spain where you can live a unique sensory experience? This is the jerte, decorated with the Cherry so characteristic.
Welcome to the Jerte Valley
The most visual of this beautiful valley are its cherry blossoms and its well-known "shower of petals". Nevertheless, Pilar Díaz, Technical Director of the Protected Denomination of Origin Cereza del Jerte Regulatory Council, He confesses that "the best is yet to come: the cherry shower."
Can not visit Estremadura at this time without trying its little delicacies. Direct from nature, but how could it be otherwise. To understand how wonderful this product is, you have to dig into it. Know how it is and, above all, discover what it tastes like.
He tells us Diaz that «in the Jerte Valley some are grown 104 varieties, of which are marketed around 25. Among all of them, the Regulatory Council protects five varieties, one of Cherry and four of pillory«.
But what functions does this Council? According to its technical director, “it has two main functions: certify the quality of this product with a designation of origin recognized in Europe. As well as promocionar the cultivation and commercialization of Cherry y Pillory of the Jerte«.
The five protected cherry varieties
Focusing on the product, we can start by naming the five protected varieties.
- Ambrunes, the most appreciated for being the longest matures on the tree in the sun.
- Colorado Peak, the latest, highly appreciated in canning.
- Variety Black Lemon Peak, one of the oldest and not produced anywhere outside the Jerte Valley.
- Black Peak -with a characteristic dark color, bordering on purple.
- Y navalinda, the latter being the only one that is Cherry and not pillory.
At this point, Pilar Diaz comment to Great Products that it is essential to clearly differentiate what a pillory is.
«The main variety is the only cherry that comes off the tree without a stem or peduncle. Visually, the pillory is small in size, with a caliber of between 22 and 26 millimeters. In the mouth, it is crunchy, less watery and with a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness »
Harvesting the Jerte cherry
However, and although it may seem so from its taste, the Cherries and Picotas from Jerte they do not fall from the sky. Harvesting is a very important part that should not be overlooked. The harvest season It depends, as with any fruit, on the weather.
If the weather has been favorable, “harvesting can begin at the end of April and it usually ends at the end of July. Getting to extend until the first week of August. It usually starts with the Cherry and it ends with both, the pillory and cherry«.
«Even the collection classify the cherries. The Cherry It is divided according to the chronological order of collection into three types: early, mid-season and late«
All this much studied process is accompanied by a whole ritual that has been inherited from generation to generation. At Jerte Valley the crop performs in a natural, traditional way and without additives. All this makes picotas and cherries have a unique flavor. With a very high content of trace elements, vitamins A and C, flavonoids, etc.
Cherry benefits and market
Finally, after being picked by hand and after a careful selection at the foot of the tree, it is time to market them. According to a rigorous control of quality. Only the the best are identified with the seal of the Protected Designation of Origin Cereza del Jerte.
And finally, thanks to this naturalness and tradition, the cherries and picotas they arrive at the markets at the optimum moment to be savored. Always keeping your wonderful properties. The benefits of Cherry and the Picota del Jerte they are numerous. Both in terms of health and beauty.
This delicious fruit has cleansing, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. Now, we also know that they improve our mood and our sleep cycle. All thanks to recent studies carried out by the University of Extremadura and Agrifood Institute of Extremadura. When it comes to beauty, who wouldn't want to try a session of 'Cerezaterapia'?
Of course, not only in the national territory do we appreciate the Cherries and Picotas from Jerte. As Díaz has told us, "this product is increasingly in demand on the international market." It is mainly appreciated in UK and Germany. Speaking of numbers, more than 60% of the production of Picotas del Jerte it is exported abroad.
Whether natural, in the form of a massage or in a good jam. The Cherry and Picota del Jerte it should occupy a favorite place in our life. Of course, we must look for the against label that guarantees your maximum quality!
