An irresistible cherry variety that’s very sweet. Perfect to liven up our salads!
Origin
The ferrovia cherry is a widespread cultivar in Italy. There are different versions of the story behind the name ‘ferrovia’, which is the Italian for meaning ‘railway’. Some say the first tree was planted in 1935 near a railway station in a town near Bari, and the residents called it “ferrovi” because it grew just a few feet from the platform. Legend has it that for many years, the railway attendant took care of the tree and it later spread across southeast Bari until it became the main variety in Turi and Conversano. These two neighboring towns boast some of the highest production of the ferrovia cherry in all of Italy. Other people say that in the 1940s, no one knew the name of this variety, but it became known as “ferrovia” because the cherries could withstand long train journeys. Their hardiness, along with the fact that they stay fresh for several days, make the ferrovia cherry particularly well suited for transport and export in all of Europe.
Cook It
What sets these cherries apart is their large size, a longer stem than other varieties, and their characteristic pointed shape. The dense, flavorful flesh of ferrovia cherries is best appreciated when they’re eaten fresh and au natural. However, they’re also an excellent ingredient in cooking, equally suited for sweet and savory dishes. For example, ferrovia cherries are excellent in jams, and don’t even need added sugar since they’re naturally very sweet. But meat also lends itself to combinations with this fruit. A tasty cherry chutney goes beautifully with duck or pork. Or during the hotter months, they’re perfect for making fresh, colorful salads. Remember not to throw away the pits–if you clean and dry them, you can use them as a filling for a homemade heating pad to soothe abdominal cramps or a stiff neck
Did you know that?
It’s said that the most highly prized variety of ferrovia cherry is the type grown in Turi, in the province of Bari. And in order to properly celebrate the fruit, the city goes all-out red each year with the Ferrovia Cherry Festival. This year will mark the 28th annual event, and will occur the 2nd and 3rd of June. This culinary event will be dedicated to the cherry variety which, besides its sweetness, also boats many health benefits. Ferrovia cherries are rich in vitamins A and C, help protect vision and are excellent immune boosters. They also contain folic acid, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Ferrovia cherries have significant detoxing and cleansing properties, and can help aid digestion and reduce abdominal bloating.
