Jerte Cherries (Spain): blossom begins, first harvest in 40 days

08 Apr 2025
1013

In the heart of the Spanish region of Extremadura, the famous cherry trees of the Jerte Valley are starting to bloom again. This was announced by the Regulatory Council of the Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.) Cereza del Jerte, stating that over two million trees have begun their spectacular blooming process.

According to forecasts, the first cherries will arrive in 35 to 40 days, while the prized Jerte picotas will be ready for the market starting in June.

A promising season

The president of the P.D.O., José Antonio Tierno, expressed optimism about the 2025 season: "The outlook is good," he said, emphasizing how climatic conditions played a decisive role.

Abundant rainfall and cooler temperatures compared to previous years caused a slight delay in blooming, but in a positive way: "It is a natural phenomenon that promotes optimal fruit development and can result in a higher quality harvest," he added.

This year, the Designation aims to certify between two and three million kilos of both cherries and picotas, for a total potential of four to six million kilos. A significant production, which will also depend on the weather in the coming weeks.

New varieties in the field

An important novelty for the 2025 campaign is the introduction of three new certified varieties under the Cereza del Jerte label: Van, Lapins, and Burlat. With these, the P.D.O. expects a substantial increase in supply, potentially reaching 10–12 million kilos of certified cherries.

Source: Consejo Regulador de la Denominación de Origen Protegida Cereza del Jerte

This will make it possible to extend the commercial season from April through August, well beyond the usual period from mid-May to mid-June.

"These varieties enrich our offer, but the Jerte picota will always remain our symbol, as it is a native and unique variety in the world," commented Tierno.

Tradition and territory

The Jerte Valley, located in northern Extremadura, is a mountainous area distinguished by terraced cultivation. Here, family farming traditions are preserved through generations, and harvesting is still done manually, ensuring the highest quality standards.

The microclimate and unique orography of the area give the cherries their unmistakable organoleptic qualities.

Jerte cherries, in fact, reach the market at the perfect time for consumption, thanks to a unique balance between traditional techniques, respect for nature, and rigorous quality control.

A winning combination that makes this product a flagship of European agrifood and a benchmark for all cherry-growing regions, including Italy.

Source: portalfruticola.com


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Controlling CO₂ concentration improves post-harvest product preservation

Post-harvest​

09 Jan 2025

Paclife has developed an innovative packaging technology using zeolites, a microporous mineral with remarkable capacity to regulate oxidation by adsorbing gases and moisture. This approach contributes to create a controlled atmosphere.

The influence of sweet cherry variety on susceptibility to wood decay fungi

Crop protection

26 May 2025

Cytospora sorbicola and Calosphaeria pulchella threaten sweet cherry in Chile. A study reveals different resistance levels among cultivars like Lapins and Regina, and promotes PCR-HRM as a fast, effective tool for early and accurate fungal pathogen detection.

In evidenza

Cherry fruit load management: effective strategies in Chile and Peru

Tech management

11 Sep 2025

Effective cherry fruit load regulation in Chile and Peru through strategic pruning, thinning, nutrition, and irrigation. Improve fruit size, sugar content, and harvest uniformity while ensuring sustainable yields and orchard performance in competitive export-driven markets.

How cherry tree age and variety affect soil quality in China’s Loess Plateau

Tech management

11 Sep 2025

A study on China’s Loess Plateau examines how orchard age and sweet cherry variety shape soil quality. Findings reveal declining organic matter and aggregate stability with time, highlighting the importance of sustainable management to preserve fertility and productivity.

Tag Popolari