The essence of life reveals itself in small details, those everyday moments that lift our mood just a notch. In this spirit, Alicante Mountain Cherry stands out as a jewel that brings joy, freshness, and a spark of delight to anyone who tastes it. Its ruby-red hue, plump texture, and distinctive aroma combine to define a fruit that feels truly special.
As noted by the Regulatory Harvest for PGI Cereza de la Montaña de Alicante, this fruit is born in one of the world’s most distinctive regions. Nestled in the northern part of Alicante province, the landscape favors mountains and microclimates shaped by elevation. A temperate climate, ample rainfall, cold winters, and mild springs help the cherries mature earlier, producing fruit with exceptional characteristics and a singular profile. [Citation: PGI Cereza de la Montaña de Alicante Regulatory Council]
Alicante Mountain Cherry is among the products recognized by Menjars de la Terra for its special value. This unique fruit will feature on every menu during gastronomy days, with tours through l’Alcoià, El Comtat, and Foia de Castalla next week from Monday to Friday. Participating restaurants include Lolo de Alcoy, La Viscaya de Castalla, Nou Raspa de Cocentaina, RQR de Ibi, and El Racó del Seta de Balones. [Citation: Menjars de la Terra program]
In addition, Menjars de la Terra, in collaboration with the PGI Cereza de la Montaña de Alicante Regulatory Council, organized an event to deepen knowledge about this prized fruit. The event is free and open to anyone interested in joining the community of growers and enthusiasts. It will take place on Monday, March 20 at 11:30, at Planes Social Center, Carrer del Mestre Nadal, 2. Pre-registration is required by calling the provided line or emailing the program contact for attendance. Please note this contact has been removed for privacy. [Citation: Menjars de la Terra event details]
meeting point
Participants will walk to a nearby field where the Organizing Committee chair, Hilario Calabuig, will explain the growing and hand-picking processes of the cherries to attendees. Depending on the season, some cherry trees may already be in bloom, offering a live natural spectacle. Afterward, attendees return to the Social Center to view a company video and learn about the different varieties, their flowering patterns, and distinctive traits, followed by a roundtable discussion. The entire program is expected to last about 90 minutes.
Cherries have been central to the history of the Montaña de Alicante for more than a millennium. The region hosts a broad range of varieties, from the sweetest to the oldest, with cultivation concentrated in the northern province. The era’s farming blends tradition and craft, featuring terraced, hand-harvested cherry trees passed down through generations, refined through centuries of cultivation to preserve the fruit’s unique flavor. A temperate Mediterranean climate, limestone soils, and reliable rainfall support the continued prosperity of Alicante Mountain Cherry.
Quality guarantee
The Protected Geographical Indication for Alicante Mountain Cherry has documented excellent quality since 1991 and is identified by the PGI Quality Seal, which consumers can recognize on product packaging. This IGP seal connects origin with quality and signals a commitment to sustainable cultivation and harvesting methods that protect the fruit’s character. [Citation: PGI quality standards]
Main producer municipalities
Vall de Gallinera, Planes, Benimarfull, Vall d’Alcalá, Almudaina, Ibi, Alcoy, Jijona, Muro de Alcoy, Villena, Benifallim, and other nearby communities contribute to this celebrated harvest.
Varieties covered
Key varieties include Burlat, Picota, Picota Ambrunesa, Early Lory, Prime Giant, Sweet Heart, Brooks, Nimba, Frisco, Santina, Lapins, 4-84, and Sonata.
Pollination varieties include Stark Hardy Dev, Bing, and Van.