Royal Helen: the fairest of them all

04 Jul 2023
2584

Stefano Lugli - SL Fruit Service (IT)
Chair of Cherry Times technical-scientific committee

The cultivar (cv) Royal Helen* produced by a young producer from the province of Modena (IT) was awarded the title of 'Most Beautiful Cherry in Italy' 2023. Congratulations to Riccardo Bergonzini. The jury of the competition that rewards Italian excellence every year during an initiative now in its XXIV edition, supported by teams of renowned chefs and qualified experts of this fruit of paradise, decreed the Californian maiden as the most charming of cherries, but not the tastiest.FOTO 1: Classifica del concorso nazionale “Ciliegie d’Italia” 2023IMAGE 1: Classification of the national 'Cherries of Italy' competition 2023

The fine palates of the commission decided that the award for the best cherry should go to an elderly lady from Campania, now at the end of her career, the variety Spernocchia.

FOTO 2: SpernocchiaIMAGE 2: Spernocchia

Old hen makes good stock? Wisdom comes with age? It depends on the point of view. I share a thought by Oscar Whild that seems pertinent: With age comes wisdom, but sometimes age comes alone.

Royal Helen's value

IMAGE 3: Royal Helen*

A pragmatic view, supported by experimental experience and direct observations in orchards, leads us to say that Royal Helen* should rightfully be included in the top ten of the new late season cherry varieties. For these three reasons: high aesthetic standards, excellent cherry quality and high production performance.

IMAGE 4: Main features of Royal Helen*

The varieties of the Royal® series, the Californian cherries of Zaiger Genetics, were presented to the general public four years ago at the International Cherry Symposium in Vignola (IT). Among them is the cultivar Royal Helen*.

Links for further information:

Video
Articolo


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Copefrut promotes BoBan, the brand to conquer the Chinese market in the 2023-2024 season

Markets

22 Nov 2023

Fuenzalida points out that Boban is the Chinese name by which Copefrut has long been known in the Asian market. Leveraging this capital of knowledge and penetration, it will be the brand under which they will try to win the palate and recognition of Chinese consumers.

New US report on pesticide residues in cherry cultivation

Tech management

17 Sep 2024

According to an announcement by the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, this annual effort aims to provide the industry with guidance for pest management decisions, considering maximum residue levels (MRLs) in some foreign markets.

In evidenza

Cherries and agrivoltaics: Swiss innovation combines energy and crop protection

Covers

20 Jun 2025

In Leuggern, a 1,300-panel agrivoltaic system is being built over a cherry orchard: shielding from hail, heat, and frost, dynamic light control, and 800 MWh annually. The “insolagrin” tech cuts pesticide use and enhances the resilience of field-grown cherry crops.

Early cherry varieties in Spain: ANA Chile® explores new promising genotypes

Varieties

20 Jun 2025

During the 2025 Technical Tour in Spain, ANA Chile® evaluated very early and low-chill cherry varieties, already present in Chile. Selections like the promising Selection 10 and Ibergen genotypes showed excellent quality, productivity, and commercial potential.

Tag Popolari