Céret Cherries: The Edible Jewel of French Catalonia
Céret is known as France’s cherry capital. The region’s well-drained soils and warm, early springs provide the perfect conditions for the trees to blossom soon in the season and bear ripe, juicy fruit by mid-April – earlier than most orchards in the rest of the country. The first chest of cherries is ceremoniously flown to Paris and delivered to the president, a tradition which dates to 1932 when Céret’s cherries were first gifted to President Albert Lebrun. Should you be in the region, the annual cherry festival, which features all kinds of entertainment (including a cherry pit spitting contest), is scheduled for 22 and 23 May this year. It’s a fine opportunity to learn more about the fruit and taste it either au naturel or in the creative menus offered at local restaurants. 

Read the full column, published in the May 2021 issue of French Property News here: cherries

Image: Cerises-de-Céret (OTI du Vallespir)