Start of cherry harvest in La Bureba (Spain)

In the Valle de las Caderechas, in the Burgos region of La Bureba (Spain), cherry growers have started to harvest the earliest varieties.

 

A 30% reduction in production is expected due to the April frosts. Harvesting in these first few days is concentrated in the lower areas of the valley, with the Burlat variety, known for its intense flavour, standing out. Juan José Gandía, President of the growers' association, points out that, despite the adverse weather conditions, the situation has not been as serious as feared and losses which could have reached 60% have been avoided.

 

The latest rains have been manageable, maintaining the integrity of the fruit. With the hope of not facing any more adverse phenomena such as hail or excess water, the growers foresee a season without major setbacks, although the cold has slowed down the ripening of the cherries. The harvest will last until August. Harvesting of the mid-season varieties such as Summit, Stark Hardy Giant and Sunburst will begin next week. The region's traditional varieties and Lapins will be harvested at the beginning of July.