Cherry

The origin of the cherry dates back thousands of years, and its history is deeply rooted in various regions of the world. It is believed that the first wild cherries originated in the areas near the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, in what is now Turkey and the Caucasus, a region encompassing parts of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. From there, they spread to other parts of Europe and Asia.

The scientific name of the cherry, Prunus avium (for sweet cherries) and Prunus cerasus (for sour cherries), also reveals part of its history. The Romans, great cultivators and spreaders of plants throughout their conquests, were responsible for bringing cherry cultivation to much of Europe. According to the Roman historian Pliny the Elder, General Lucius Licinius Lucullus introduced cherries to Rome from a region near what is now Turkey in 72 BC, following his campaign in Asia Minor.

Over time, cherries spread throughout the Roman Empire, reaching the British Isles and other parts of Europe. They were also brought to the Americas by European colonists in the 17th century, allowing their cultivation to expand into new regions, including the temperate zones of North America.

Throughout history, cherries have been valued for their flavor, medicinal properties, and use in various cultures. Their cultivation has been perfected through the selection of varieties adapted to different climates and uses, allowing cherries to be enjoyed worldwide today.

Currently, cherry trees are cultivated in numerous regions and countries around the world with temperate climates, with the largest producers being Russia, the United States, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain.

Cherry cultivation requires specific climatic and soil conditions to ensure a successful harvest.

Climate
The cherry tree grows best in temperate climates. It requires cold winters for an adequate period of winter dormancy and to stimulate flowering in spring. However, extremely low temperatures can damage the trees, especially if they occur during the flowering stage. On average, cherries need between 800 and 1,200 chilling hours (temperatures below 7°C) to flower properly. In addition, late spring frosts can destroy the flowers and affect the harvest, which is why climates that are cold in winter but mild in spring are preferred.

Soil
The cherry tree requires well-drained soils, preferably with a slightly acidic or neutral pH (between 6 and 7). It does not tolerate soils with poor drainage or those that retain excessive moisture, as this can lead to problems such as root rot. It is also essential that the soil be rich in organic nutrients, as cherries require fertile soil for proper development.

Sunlight
Cherry trees need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Adequate light exposure is crucial for growth and fruit production. Without sufficient sunlight, the tree may grow weak and produce fewer fruits.

Irrigation
Irrigation should be consistent without waterlogging the soil. In general, it is advisable to keep the soil moist, especially during the growing season and fruit formation. However, excess water can be harmful to the cherry tree, causing root diseases or poor-quality fruit. Proper water management through controlled irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, is ideal for providing the right amount of water.

Pollination
Some cherry tree varieties, especially sweet cherries, are self-incompatible, which means they require cross-pollination from another variety to produce fruit. To ensure a good harvest, it is necessary to plant at least two different cherry varieties in the same orchard or have nearby crops that allow pollination by insects, especially bees, which play a fundamental role in the process.

Pruning
Pruning is essential for the proper development of the cherry tree. A well-pruned tree allows better air circulation, prevents diseases, and enables sunlight to reach all parts of the tree. Generally, pruning is carried out during winter or at the end of summer, removing damaged, crossed, or excessively inward-growing branches.

Fertilization
The cherry tree responds well to regular fertilization, especially in spring, when the active growth period begins. The use of fertilizers rich in nitrogen and potassium is recommended to promote healthy growth and good fruit production. However, excess nitrogen should be avoided, as it can encourage leaf and branch growth at the expense of fruiting.

Harvest
Cherries are hand-picked when they reach their optimal ripeness. This usually occurs between late spring and early summer, depending on the variety and climate. It is important to collect them carefully to avoid damaging the fruit, as they are very delicate and bruise easily. Cherries do not continue ripening after harvest, so they must be picked at the right time.

Pests and diseases
The cherry tree is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including the cherry fruit fly, aphids, and diseases such as brown rot or monilinia. To prevent these problems, it is recommended to implement good agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, biological control using beneficial insects, and the use of natural or chemical fungicides and insecticides as needed.

En resumen, el cultivo de cerezas es un proceso delicado que depende de la combinación adecuada de clima, suelo, manejo de plagas y cuidados generales. Aunque puede ser exigente, el resultado final es una fruta deliciosa y muy valorada en todo el mundo.

Cherries are a delicious and healthy fruit that provides a variety of important nutrients for the body. They are rich in simple sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose) and fiber, which is beneficial for intestinal transit.

Below I detail the main nutrients they contain:

Vitamins:

Vitamin C: A fresh cherry is rich in vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant, supporting immune system health, aiding in tissue repair, and assisting iron absorption.
Vitamin A (beta-carotene): Cherries contain vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which is essential for skin, vision, and immune system health.
B-group vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6): These vitamins help with energy metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system.

Minerals:

Potassium: It is the most abundant mineral in cherries. Potassium is essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body, regulating blood pressure, and supporting muscle and nerve health.

Our cherries are available from early May to the first part of July. We plant new varieties every year and have selected the most suitable areas of Aragon for our cherry orchards. The unbeatable climatic conditions in this region are optimal to ensure the characteristic color, firmness, and superior flavor.

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