Picota del Jerte: excellent start, but watch out for fraud in the market

20 Jun 2024
1884

The campaign of Picota cherries from Jerte has started positively in the north of the Spanish province of Caceres, "with good volumes and high quality", says Fátima López-Santamaría, a technician from DOP Cereza del Jerte. "We had a couple of days of rain that might have caused some losses.

An evaluation has not yet been made to quantify the affected volume; however, for now, these losses seem to be insignificant. In fact, the impact has been more evident in other intermediate varieties of cherries than in the late Ambrunés varieties, which are the Picotas from Jerte covered by the DOP Cereza del Jerte".

Producers from Extremadura still remember last year's campaign, in which, unfortunately, the rains had a decisive impact. "For this reason, we hope that the losses are minimal and not noteworthy", he says. "Especially this year, in which the quality of Jerte Picota cherries is extraordinary".

The Picota del Jerte is a variety of cherry originating from the Jerte Valley, where it has been traditionally cultivated among mountains over 1,000 meters in altitude since the 17th century, as stated by the DOP.

"It is essential to remember that the harvesting of Picota cherries, highly demanded in both the domestic and export markets, begins in mid-June, because one of the most significant problems that the DOP faces every year is the commercialization of regular cherries with the stalk removed to pass them off as Picota cherries, illegally using the DOP brand for fruits that are neither an authentic Picota cherry nor certified or authorized by the DOP Regulatory Council".

Read the full article: FreshPlaza
Image: Financial Food


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Analysis of fungal diversity responsible for cherry fruit rot in Shandong province, China

Crop protection

11 Nov 2024

Pathogenicity tests showed that all isolated species could cause fruit infections, though with varying levels of aggressiveness. Among them, Diaporthe eres displayed the highest virulence followed by Fusarium incarnatum and Botryosphaeria dothidea.

The Moretta cherry: the value of typicality and biodiversity in Vignola

Varieties

30 May 2023

Considered extinct at the beginning of the 2000s, the Moretta cherry is now experiencing a period of renewed interest thanks to a small group of producers in Vignola (Modena) who are focusing on organoleptic qualities and links with the territory.

In evidenza

Farewell to B.J. Thurlby, global ambassador for Northwest cherries

Events

16 Jan 2026

B.J. Thurlby, who passed away at age 60, led the Washington State Fruit Commission for over 25 years. As a true ambassador for Northwest cherries, he championed research, exports and grower education, leaving a deep mark on the U.S. and international fruit industry.

Chilean cherries face weather challenges but shine with smart strategies: cherry festival launches in China

Events

16 Jan 2026

Frutas de Chile has revised its 2025/26 cherry export forecast down by 15% due to adverse weather, with shipments expected to reach 110 million boxes. To support sales, the Cherry Ice and Snow Festival launches in China, blending cherries, lifestyle and Lunar New Year culture.

Tag Popolari