The general Lucullus, who, in accordance with tradition, brought some plants to Rome from Cerasunte on the Black Sea, with the fruit that would later be termed, in Latin, “cerasus,” could never have envisioned the multitude of diverse and healthy uses for this red berry imported into the Empire and subsequently disseminated as far as Great Britain.
Indeed, the cherry is beneficial in addressing coeliac disease, a condition affecting up to 5 million people in Europe unknowingly. The food industry is actively focusing on developing cereals that are safe for those affected to eat.
This is attributed to the cherry’s array of properties: purifying, energising, laxative, and detoxifying — proving advantageous for individuals dealing with diabetes and arthritis. With limited nutritional content, cherries align well with various diuretic diets. They effectively curb hunger, given their minimal fat and protein content. They can be consumed in substantial quantities, provided it is done so on an empty stomach. Thanks to its growth-promoting vitamin A, it is also recommended for children.
The cherry growers of the southeast of Bari, who account for 80% (on average 470,000 quintals) of almost the entire production of Apulia, amounting to 500,000 quintals from 17,000 hectares, are well aware of all this. For this reason, they tend to their cherry orchards with meticulous care and diligence. During the negotiation and purchase phase of the product, a series of distinctive rituals unfolds, becoming increasingly vibrant. To this day, the auction remains a true spectacle, occurring at any time when the merchandise arrives. It creates moments of lively discussion, even for small quantities.
Nearly two months, or a little less, from the start of the harvesting operations – beginning with the Bigarreaux, the first to appear from mid-May to early June, followed by the Ferrovia from June 5 to June 30 – the landscapes of the southeast of Bari region are beginning to come to life. This is particularly true in areas boasting the richest cherry-growing traditions, such as Conversano, Turi, Sammichele, Castellana, Putignano, Noci, Alberobello, Casamassima, Acquaviva delle Fonti, and Gioia del Colle. When the first batches of cherries arrive, the 2016 campaign will officially begin, which, for agricultural producers and traders, promises to be extremely interesting.
There is in fact a supremacy to defend in terms of quantity and quality not only on the Italian markets, but also on foreign ones. Primacy also in terms of variety, as demonstrated by the experimental studies on 15 new cherry varieties carried out in Conversano by the Centre for the Enhancement of Cherry Growing of the Province of Bari, which has a field collection of 100 sweet cherry cultivars of national and foreign origin covering an area of 4.5 hectares. Much of the future of cherry cultivation in the Bari region is at stake on this front, intricately linked to research, innovation, protection, and enhancement of quality production. This involves the introduction of new early-maturing cultivars that are more resilient, making them easier to harvest and trade. Additionally, post-production refrigerated storage plays a crucial role in preserving the cherries’ quality. These efforts are geared towards prolonging the availability of the product and making its transport to international markets smoother, all while keeping a check on prices.
On the horizon, there is the potential recognition of the EU PGI status for the Terra di Bari Cherry. However, despite repeated announcements, this goal remains distant.
Author: Vincenzo Rutigliano
