London, 12 June 2018 – The Picota harvest in the Jerte Valley will be delayed by several weeks due to cooler temperatures during the growing season. The Jerte Valley, in the Extremadura region, is one of Spain's major cherry growing areas with the Picota enjoying a huge popularity in the UK.

Despite the delay, the ripening of the fruit has fared well, and farmers are anticipating a considerable crop. Forecast reports for this year's Jerte Picota Cherries are “very optimistic”.

Jerte Picota Cherries are usually available from the end of June until the beginning of August in the UK, but they are expected to arrive in stores from the beginning of July this year.

A 100% natural product, Jerte Picota Cherries are only for available six weeks each year as they follow a seasonal cycle and are hand-picked at exactly the right time. These delicious cherries, grown and harvested with no additives or preservatives, are the perfect healthy snack this summer.

Jerte Picota will make an official announcement when the cherries are available in UK stores (Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons and Aldi). Follow @PicotaCherries on Twitter or Facebook for the latest updates on their arrival.

ENDS

About Jerte Picota P.D.O.

The Jerte Picota P.D.O. (Protected Designation of Origin) status certifies that the fruit has been grown, harvested and packed under rigorous quality controlled procedures and has come exclusively from the Jerte Valley in Spain, which lies South-West of Madrid in the Cáceres region.

The Jerte Picota is not only unique from its P.D.O. status but also from its stalkless harvest and its shape, which has a slight peak to the base, hence the word 'Picota' means 'peaked'.

Jerte Picota Cherries are still harvested by hand. The cherry will naturally come away from the stalk when it is ripe, which is why they are sold without a stalk and are only harvested at exactly the right time. They are 100% natural and are only available for six weeks per year, but their sweet taste is worth the wait!

For more information on Jerte Picota P.D.O., please visit https://cerezadeljerte.org/en/

Twitter: @PicotaCherries

Facebook: @PicotaCherries

Instagram: @jertepicotacherries

Editor's Notes:      

For recipes or high and low resolution images of Jerte Picota P.D.O., please contact Brand Dialogue at +44 (0)20 7389 9404 or email g.hackett@brand-dialogue.co.uk

Photography: Jerte Picota