Do you like cherries? In jam, in a dessert or just plain and enjoyed with pleasure, 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 situation! We’ve put together an introductory article on the Basque cherry. We’ll give you all the information you need on these delicious black cherries.

Discover the Basque Country cherry

The Basque cherry is grown in a very specific place: Itxassou. Its cultivation goes back a long way, and for many years it supplied many households in the region. The black cherry, for example, could produce 300 tons a year. In fact, there are three varieties of cherry in this region, and we strongly advise you to discover them. Every year, cherries take pride of place in Itxassou during the summer months. In fact, the cherry has a festival all its own! Every year, the cherry festival takes place in the first week of June in Itxassou. It’s a not-to-be-missed event for all Basque cherry growers in the region. It’s a day to discover the cherry and its jams, and to take part in a wide range of activities including a game of pelota, a lively meal and dancing. Of course, you won’t leave this festival without buying a few cherries and related products!

A successful cherry

This Basque cherry has been a great success for many years, and there’s no end in sight! There are 3 different types of cherry to discover in the region.

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

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!