CHERRY

xxxxxx

  • The main cherry production area in the Valencian Community is to the north of Alacant and the south of Valencia, under the name of “Cireres de la Muntanya d’Alacant”.
  • Bocairent and Ontinyent are the main production areas of “Cireres de la Muntanya d’Alacant”.
  • There are nine cherry varieties covered by the Regulatory Board: Burlat, Tilagua, Planera, Nadal, Picota and Picota Ambrunesa (the main varieties), and Stark Hardy Geant, Bing and Van (pollination varieties).
  • Some of the Valencian counties that produce cherries:
    – Els Serrans
    – Requena-Utiel
    – Foia de Bunyol-Xiva
    – Vall d’Aiora-Cofrents
    – La Costera
    – Vall d’Albaida
    – La Vall de Gallinera
  • Some 751.12 tonnes of cherries are produced every year in the Valencian Community.
  • Sales: 628.73 tonnes (domestic market), 101.47 tonnes (EU market: Lithuania, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom) and 20.92 tonnes (foreign market – other countries).
  • In 2015, the per capita household consumption of cherries in the Valencian Community was 1.1 kg.
    Cherries are a highly-regarded fruit that are mainly grown in temperate climates such as the Mediterranean.
  • The cherry season runs from April to July.
    Cherries are known as a ‘super fruit’ as they are packed with antioxidants.
  • Cherries are rich in vitamins C and E as well as potassium, magnesium, iron, folic acid and fibre.
  • Cherries make an excellent snack or dessert on weight-loss diets as they are low in calories.
  • The best way to eat cherries is fresh, though they are also highly recommended in desserts and patisserie and for making chocolates, jams and liqueurs.
  • Eating cherries increases the body’s defence mechanisms and helps to prevent high blood pressure and heart attacks.
  • In 2015, the production of cherries in the Valencian Community reached 5.583 tonnes.
  • The counties of Valencia have an area of 2.919 ha dedicated to cherry orchards.
    Some 526 tonnes of cherries were produced in the Valencian counties in the 2015 season.
  • Cherry exports to the European Union amount to around 265 tonnes per year.
    50% of the exports of cireres are destined to the international market, mainly to countries of the European Union.
  • The countries where the majority of cherries from Valencia are sold are Lithuania (72.71 tonnes), Italy (59.08 tonnes) and Germany (56.19 tonnes).