Valle del Jerte, March 27, 2023.- The cherry trees of Valle del Jerte, located in the north of Extremadura, have already blossomed, giving rise to one of the most famous shows of spring. From this moment and for a period of between 12 and 14 days, the slopes of the valley are dyed white, announcing that the cherries and picotas will arrive in a few weeks. The two million cherry trees are expected to have their peak of flowering between the last week of March and the first week of April, although it will depend on the weather.
The cherry trees are grown following a centuries-old family tradition on terraces in the Jerte mountains, within a unique environment and with a privileged microclimate. These conditions allow the best cherries in Spain to be obtained, as well as the Picota del Jerte, a variety native to the Valley.
In this line, the Picotas are an exclusive product, which stands out for its flavor and sweetness. In addition, they have several characteristics that differentiate them from the rest: they are the only species that detaches from the tree without a tail; They have a meatier and crunchy texture and a smaller caliber -between 22 and 26 millimeters-.
Its natural cultivation and its collection in a traditional way multiply its properties and allow it to reach the markets at the optimum moment for its consumption. These fruits are a good source of health because they contain eight vitamins, iron, magnesium, calcium, a large amount of antioxidants and fiber.
The president of the Denomination of Origin Cereza del Jerte, José Antonio Tierno, has highlighted that during this campaign they will certify, as up to now, the pillories produced in the area covered by the Denomination of Origin and they hope “to be able to continue taking steps towards the differentiation of the quality with respect to the other cherries produced in Spain and Europe”.
Jerte cherries and picotas are increasingly in demand, both in the national and international markets, especially in the United Kingdom. 50% of Picotas del Jerte’s production is exported.
CHERRY BLOSSOMS FESTIVAL
The flowering is part of the Jerte Valley Cherry Blossom Festival, which began its program of activities on March 17 in Navaconcejo, which will last until April 1.
This festival, declared of National Tourist Interest, is the welcome to spring, and is a reference event for lovers of nature and the rural environment.
Until the closure in Barrado, visitors will be offered hiking routes, folklore and rock musical performances, children’s entertainment, popular meals, exhibitions, batucadas, markets, storytelling, and an Acetre concert, among other activities.
Regulatory Council of the Protected Designation of Origin Cereza del Jerte
The Cereza del Jerte Protected Designation of Origin Regulatory Council is an entity that works to promote and certify the origin and quality of protected products.
Download flowering photos: https://we.tl/t-gwpfJJFVUb
Europa Press Communication: 91 359 26 00
Icíar Díaz iciardiaz@europapress.es
Susana Sedano susanasedano@europapress.es
Virginia Garcia virginiagarcia@europapress.es
D.O.P. Regulatory Council Jerte Cherry: 927 47 11 01/03
Fátima López-Santamaría Nogales picota@cerezadeljerte.org
www.cerezadeljerte.org
