FERROVIA CHERRY, TURI'S RED GOLD

The Ferrovia cherry is a highly prized variety originating in Turi, where, in the 1930s, local farmers were searching for a cherry well suited to the climate and soil conditions of the Murgia area. Their aim was to ensure a high-quality yield that could be transported and marketed over long distances. By the 1930s, the cultivation of the Ferrovia cherry was already documented on several farms near Masseria Caracciolo.

The Ferrovia cherry is easily recognisable thanks to its large, heart-shaped form, its very long stem, and its deep vermilion-red skin. What truly sets it apart, however, is its flesh: intensely sweet, never overly acidic, perfectly balanced, and bright red in colour. It is delicious enjoyed fresh, but also lends itself well to more elaborate culinary preparations paired with a variety of ingredients.

Its ripening period runs from May to June. Like all cherries, Ferrovia cherries are rich in minerals and nutrients, including folic acid, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A and C, which help protect eyesight and strengthen the immune system. Their antioxidant properties also contribute to healthy skin and proper digestive function.

In the 1950s, the Ferrovia cherry gained popularity not only locally but nationwide, thanks to its excellent organoleptic qualities, which made it particularly suitable—at the time—for long-distance transport by rail. Today, Turi is Italy’s leading producer of this cultivar and celebrates it each year with a major Cherry Festival held in the first days of June.