Vignola puts the Cherry on the Cake

Vignola, capital of cherries
When it’s said that once you reach out your hand for a cherry, you can’t stop until they’re gone, it’s undeniably true. Whether because of their flavour that is intense yet delicate, or their sublime juiciness, cherries are known to be irresistible due to the satisfaction they provide. Vignola, a small town at the foot of the Bologna and Modena hills, is the “capital” of cherry production. In the area there is a Wine and Taste Road, “Città Castelli Ciliegi” which provides a truly unforgettable experience. On this route you can try 15 different varieties of cherry while traversing an area that extends from the vicinity of Vignola, to the Samoggia Valley and the territories west of the river Reno including Porretta Terme.

Cherries of all tastes
In Vignola today the most cutting-edge technology-based agricultural techniques are in use, beginning with the cultivation of the early-ripening cherry varieties. The early varieties, Bigarreau, Burlat and Moreau, are originally from western Asia. They are a vivid red, but sensitive to rainy conditions and so are the first grown in the season. The season continues with the famous Italian cherry Mora di Vingola. These cherries are small and dark, of small size and easily digestible. As the season heads into June, cultivation switches to Drone dell’Anella, a right red cherry with a chewy pulp. Following those are the larger and darker Nero II and Ferrovia, both very sweet. Finally, to close the season are the Marca, which are white in the centre, with a yellowish pink skin and best suited for spirited-soaked cherries.

Nutritional Value
Cherries are good for your health and ideal for any diet. 100g of cherries is a mere 38 calories, making them perfect for any calorie-controlled diet. Cherries continue a lot of soluble fibre, and aside from their natural sweetness also contain potassium, calcium, phosphorous and flavonoids, as well at vitamins A, B and C. Cherries are high in water content, and are shown to provide relief from kidney disease and arthritis. Finally, cherry stalks are often used in medicine as they contain polyphenols and potassium chloride, which have a healthy diuretic effect on the body.