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Jerte Valley, March 15, 2024.- The two million cherry trees in the Jerte Valley are already blooming. From this moment and for the next few days, the slopes of the Valley are dyed white, giving rise to one of the most famous spectacles of spring. It is the starting signal for the Cereza del Jerte Protected Designation of Origin campaign, which means that the cherries and pillory will arrive in a few weeks.
The D.O.P Cereza del Jerte is “expectant for this campaign, after the bad taste in the mouth of last year, when 60% of the product was lost due to the rains”, as explained by the president of the D.O.P, José Antonio Tender. “We are hopeful and we hope that this campaign goes better,” he concluded.
Flowering is a little earlier than is usual for these dates. The rainfall regime in recent months has been medium-high, but has been accompanied by very irregular temperatures.
The cherry trees of the Jerte Valley, located in the north of Extremadura, are grown on terraces in the Jerte mountains, following a centuries-old family tradition, within a unique environment and microclimate. “These conditions give rise to high quality cherries, as well as the Jerte pillory, a variety native to the Valley,” said Tierno.
The D.O.P is marked as one of its main objectives to influence the consumer on the difference between cherry and cherry. “The pillory is a specific variety that is produced almost exclusively in Jerte. It is a species that comes off the tree without a tail and stands out for its quality, its crunchy texture, its sweet flavor, its dark color and its smaller size. To identify them, you have to look for the guarantee seal of the Protected Designation of Origin that certifies the product,” explained the president.
Their natural cultivation and traditional harvesting multiply their properties and allow them to reach the markets at the optimal time for consumption. These fruits are a good source of health because they contain eight vitamins, iron, magnesium, calcium, a large amount of antioxidants and fiber.
Jerte cherries and cherry blossoms are increasingly in demand products, both in the national and international markets, especially in the United Kingdom.
The Cherry Blossom Festival welcomes spring
The flowering is part of the Jerte Valley Cherry Blossom Festival, a popular celebration that tries to reflect the life of a region. The opening ceremony will take place on March 22 in the town of Piornal.
This festival, declared of National Tourist Interest, welcomes spring, and is a reference event for lovers of nature and rural areas.
Until the closing in Cabezuela del Valle, visitors will be offered cultural and gastronomic activities, such as hiking routes, musical performances, popular foods, exhibitions, markets, among others.
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.
Europa Press Communication: 91 359 26 00
Icíar Díaz iciardiaz@europapress.es
Susana Sedano susanasedano@europapress.es
Virginia García 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
