Definition
The Picota cherry is a cultivated variety (cultivar) of sweet cherry (Prunus avium), primarily grown in the Aragon region of northeastern Spain.
Overview
The Picota cherry is renowned for its firm, deep‑red fruit with a sweet‑tart flavor and high resistance to cracking. Production is concentrated in the province of Zaragoza, especially around the town of Tarazona, where the cultivar benefits from the region’s continental climate and calcareous soils. The fruit is harvested from late May to early June and is marketed both fresh and for processing. In 2002, the European Union granted the “Picota de Aragón” a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), recognizing its specific regional origin and quality attributes.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Picota” derives from the Spanish word picota, historically referring to a pointed or tapered shape; this likely alludes to the elongated form of the cherry’s fruit. The cultivar originated in the early 20th century from a chance seedling discovered in the Aragonese countryside, and it was subsequently selected and propagated by local growers.
Characteristics
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Botanical classification | Prunus avium “Picota” |
| Fruit size | Medium, approximately 22–28 mm in diameter |
| Skin color | Bright to deep red when ripe |
| Flesh | Firm, amber‑yellow, juicy, with a balanced sweet‑tart taste |
| Sugar content | Around 13–15 % Brix (variable by harvest year) |
| Harvest period | Late May – early June in the Aragon region |
| Cultivation requirements | Well‑drained, calcareous soils; full sun; moderate winter chilling (≈800–900 h < 7 °C) |
| Disease resistance | Noted for relative resistance to cracking and to certain fungal pathogens (e.g., Monilinia spp.) |
| Post‑harvest handling | Suitable for refrigerated storage up to 3 weeks; retains texture and flavor when chilled |
Related Topics
- Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) – the species to which the Picota belongs.
- Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) – European designation that applies to the Picota de Aragón.
- Aragonese agriculture – the broader regional context for Picota cherry production.
- Other Spanish cherry cultivars – such as “Burlat” and “Early Rivers”.
All information presented is based on documented horticultural sources and official European Union PGI records.