Del Monte Cherry
History
In Campania there is a great cherry cultivation tradition, in particular in the province of Naples. The area of Vesuvius, especially the slopes of Mt. Somma, is famous for the production of the so-called Ciliegia del Monte or Durona Del Monte, that represents an important part of the local cherry cultivation. Cherry tree cultivation is concentrated above all on the slopes of Mt. Somma, where it is present since the times of the Angevin rule. As it often happens on Vesuvius because of the frequent spontaneous crosses, also in this case there is a quantity of cultivars which have not been all registered yet. Del Monte Cherry, also known as Ciliegia di Montagna (Mountain Cherry) or Durona del Monte, is considered the best table cherry of Campania. It is characterized by big-size fruits, with a yellow-rosy color on the on side and dark red color with yellow dots on the other side. It is a late variety harvested between late May and early June. It has a clear pulp, very juicy and compact, almost crunchy. It has a very good perfume and a pleasant acidulous aftertaste.
Production Area
The territory interested by the production includes the following Park Municipalities: Massa di Somma, Ottaviano, Pollena Trocchia, S. Anastasia, Somma Vesuviana.
Description
The fruit is characterized by a yellow-rosy color on the on side and dark red color on the other side, with yellow dots. The pulp is yellowish, crunchy, and very juicy. It ripens between late May and mid-June.
Production Season
Late May, early June.
