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

20 Jun 2024
873

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

Agriculture of the future: agro-photovoltaic panels for sustainable cherry trees

Covers

21 Mar 2025

In Chile, agrivoltaic panels are transforming agriculture: they protect cherry trees from sun and hail, improve fruit quality, boost yields, and reduce water consumption. This innovative project combines sustainability and clean energy for a greener future.

Pitting in the sweet cherry tree: management and more resistant varieties

Post-harvest​

12 Nov 2024

It is often the result of mechanical or physiological damage that occurs during harvest, handling, storage, or transportation of the fruit. These marks usually do not penetrate the pulp but impair its presentation, and in severe cases, can lead to premature fruit deterioration.

In evidenza

Dielectric technologies and artificial intelligence for the non-destructive estimation of cherry quality

Quality

14 May 2025

Ankara University in Turkey applies dielectric technology and artificial intelligence to assess cherry quality non-destructively. The system enhances accuracy, lowers costs, and improves planning for harvest, storage, and distribution across the supply chain.

Cherry tree in Chile and Greece with KISS system (Keep It Super Simple)

Tech management

14 May 2025

The KISS system for cherry cultivation, developed in Chile and promoted in Greece, focuses on simplicity, pruning efficiency, and cost reduction. A sustainable method that boosts fruit quality and yield, ideal for tackling labor shortages in orchards.

Tag Popolari