Description
Ciliegia di Marostica PGI is a fresh cherry belonging to the Prunus avium L. species, deriving from the following varieties: the early ripening Sandra and Francese, the latter deriving from the Bigareaux Moreaux and Burlat varieties; the fairly early ripening Roana and early ripening hard-skinned Romana; the late ripening hard-skinned Milanese, Durone Rosso (similar to Ferrovia), Bella Italia and Sandra Tardiva; the Van, Giorgia, Ferrovia, Durone Nero I, Durone Nero II and Mora di Cazzano varieties.
Production Area
The production area of Ciliegia di Marostica PGI is within the territory of the following municipalities: Salcedo, Fara Vincentino, Breganze, Mason, Molvena, Pianezze, Marostica, Bassano and parts of Schiavon, in the Province of Vicenza, in the Veneto region.
Production Method
Ciliegia di Marostica PGI is grown almost exclusively in hilly areas with fertile soil rich in potassium, which allows for the growth of a sweet and tasty product. Harvesting is carried out by hand, starting halfway through the first ten days of May for early ripening fruit and from the beginning of the last ten days of May for the late ripening varieties. The fruit must be placed in containers with rigid sides immediately after harvesting. They are then carefully selected and placed in cool and shaded areas, in this way maintaining the fruit’s characteristics and allowing for longer conservation.
Appearance and Flavour
Ciliegia di Marostica PGI is large and heart-shaped with a minimum diameter of 23 mm. The skin ranges from dark red to flame red in colour depending on the variety. The cherry is characterised by firm, juicy flesh, with a delicious sweet taste. It is a highly prized fruit from a nutritional and health viewpoint.
History
Cultivation of the Marostica cherry began centuries ago; it is said that its history is linked to the “Chess Game”, an event which is still remembered today at the Regional Cherry Exhibition at the end of May. In 1454, when two gentlemen came to ask for the hand of his daughter, Taddeo Parisio, the governor of Marostica, decided to settle the matter with a game of real-life chess. The winner married the daughter and the loser her sister. On the day of the wedding, Taddeo Parisio ordered the plantation of cherry plants throughout the region to commemorate the happy event. In more recent times, cherry cultivation has acquired noteworthy commercial importance, so much so, that at end of 1950s the first Conservation Consortium was established by Mason Vicentino, with the aim of managing and organising cherry production.
Gastronomy
Ciliegia di Marostica PGI can be kept in the fridge for a few days, but any rotten fruit should be thrown away. The fruit can be eaten fresh, but they can also be used in desserts, jams and Bavarian cream. They go particularly well with grappa and cherry or red wine. They are less commonly used in cooking, although recently it has become an ingredient in several meat-based dishes, for example Duck with Ciliegia di Marostica PGI, where the cherries are cooked in the oven with the meat and then made into a sauce.
Distinctive Features
Ciliegia di Marostica PGI is a fruit that contains many beneficial properties. It is rich in vitamins, polyphenol and sugars that can even be consumed by diabetics.
