Cherries at a golden price

Cherries were sold at an auction, the prohibitive price of 200 Turkish lira (approximately 1 Euro = 3.30 Turkish lire) to a Turkish merchant of Istanbul. It is a symbolic figure for this first gathering, to encourage the culture of these early cherries. The microclimate in this part of Turkey provides cherries from April 8 this year. 

Last season, the crop was damaged by frost but this season there has been no damage and producers expect a good season.

Manisa region produces about 8 percent of Turkey's overall production, which stands at 550-560 000 tonnes. This season, it is estimated that production will reach 44,000 tons.

The sale began in Istanbul, trays of 100 grams, at the price of 250 Turkish Liras per kilo. But the vast majority of the cherries are sold abroad, especially in Germany.

Source : www.milliyet.com