Many people think that it is the same to say cherries than picotas. Even in many areas of Spain it is not known what picotas are. To clarify doubts and avoid confusing one product with another, I have prepared this post that will help us understand the differences between cherries and picotas and to learn how to tell them apart.
The first thing to note is that the pillory is a kind of cherry, which only occurs in Extremadura, in the area of Jerte Valley and in some territory of the Vera area. All cherries are cherries, but not all cherries are cherries.
When the late spring, begins the season of cherries that are produced in many areas of Spain. We all enjoy eating this magnificent fruit whose colors range from yellow to black, the best known being those of the cherry red variety, an intense red color, similar to garnet like the cherries in the photo.
Characteristics of the pillory
The Picota del Jerte is a superior quality cherry variety, originally from the Jerte Valley, so authentic that it has a Protected Designation of Origin. Its maturation is somewhat later than the cherry, so its season extends from the last days of June or the first days of July until the middle or end of August, approximately.
The pillory is a smallest and tastiest cherry than the rest of the cherries. While the best common cherries of the California or Navalinda varieties have sizes of 28mm or even 30, 32 or more, the picotas range between sizes of 24 and 26mm.
The cherry is the richest of cherries, sweeter and with less acidity. For this reason, despite being smaller, the picota is valued more than the cherry for being less acidic, tastier and with a smoother and firmer flesh, which makes it crunchy when you put it in the mouth.
Jerte picotas are of different varieties. The most valued are Pico Negro and the Ambrunéswhich are the sweetest, although there are also the so-called Pico Limón and Pico Colorado, all protected by the DOP. The rest of the varieties of this fruit are not cherry but common cherry varieties.
One of the most outstanding characteristics or differentiating elements is the fact that the pillory has no tail or peduncle because it stays on the tree during harvest. This has caused some to try to make cherries pass for pillory, ripping off their tails.
Look at the photo and you will see how the cherries (on the left) they lose liquid if the stalk is removed and the pillory, have the hole where the peduncle came out, perfectly healed since its collection.
What is achieved with this practice is to damage the fruit and make a small cut that makes the cherryto spoil before. The authentic picotas leave the peduncle on the tree and heal at the time of being harvested, maintaining their firmness and smoothness.
Valle del Jerte Picota Cherry Tree with PDO from Viveros la Berrocosa Pot Size 22, 25, 27 cm Height approx. 1.40 m. red cherry
The pipo or cherry seed It is larger than that of cherries, so the amount of pulp or meat they have is somewhat less, with the same size. However, the cherry flavor is much more intense and less acidic than common cherries.
The red color of the pillory it is more intense and darker than that of cherries, its flesh is firmer and crunches at the first bite, and its flavor is also sweeter than that of cherries. For this reason, although they are smaller, their price is higher than that of cherries.
In summary, the picota is a variety of cherry. If you see some cherries without stems, not too big and with a very intense color, try them immediately. If when you bite you notice that the meat is firm and crunchy at the first bite, you will be facing the delicious Picotas cherries from the Jerte Valley.
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