Do you like cherries? In jam, in a dessert or just plain to enjoy, cherries are a fruit that many people love. In fact, the Black Cherry has a strong link with the Basque country! If you love this fruit, we invite you to find out a little more about its history and current news!

We have put together an introductory article on the Basque Country cherry to provide you with all the information you need on these delicious black cherries.

Discover the Basque Country Black Cherry

The Basque Country cherry is grown in a very specific area: Itxassou. Its cultivation goes back a very long way, and it provided food for many households in the region for many years. The black cherry, for example, could produce up to 300 tons per year.

There are three varieties of cherry in this region, and we strongly advise you to discover them.

Every year, cherries take center stage in Itxassou during the summer season. In fact, the cherry has a festival all its own! This year, the cherry festival will take place on June 2 in Itxassou. It’s a not-to-be-missed event for all Basque cherry growers in the region.

This day gives you the opportunity to discover cherries and their jams, and to take part in a wide range of activities, including a game of pelote, a lively meal, dancing and more. Of course, you won’t leave this festival without buying some cherries and products!

A successful cherry

This Basque cherry has been a great success for many years and it’s not about to stop! You can discover 3 different types of cherries in the region.

  • The Peloa cherry: this fruit ripens at the end of May and its special feature is its delicious sweet taste. It is very often used for jam.
  • The Xapata cherry is yellow-orange in color and has a slightly tart taste, making it very pleasant to eat.
  • The Beltza cherry: this variety is black in color and its Basque name says it all! In fact, this cherry is very small, with a pleasant, delicate flavor that makes it ideal for making jam.

So don’t hesitate to try these 3 different varieties to discover new flavors.

Find more interesting facts about Foie Gras and the Basque Country on our Blog and tasty recipes in the Recipe section of our website!