Ciliegia

Cherries are mostly grown in Campania, Puglia, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto, all four regions exporting a huge number all over Europe. The main varieties grown are Durone Nero, Durone Nero di Vignola, Durone Nero di Anella and Amarena. Their need for particularly well-drained soil and hand-picking at harvest time makes them one of the most expensive fruits available. As well as being eaten on their own as a delicious fruit, cherries can also be preserved in pure alcohol or candied and coloured for use in confectionery. Cherries are also cooked with sugar and vanilla to make a dessert, as well as being used to make sauces for poultry and game.