Description: Cereja da Cova da Beira PGI is the name given to the cherries originating from various varieties of cherry-tree traditionally cultivated in the area known as Cova da Beira. The "Cereja da Cova da Beira PGI" cherries are between 24 mm and 28 mm in diameter and weigh between 7 gr and 10 gr each. The colour varies depending on the variety, from a bright red to dark red. The stem is long, thick and light green in colour. The fruit is compact and very sweet.
Production method: The fruit production is from cherry-trees of the regional varieties of “De Saco”, “Napoleão Pé Comprido”, “Morangão”, “Espanhola” and of varieties of “B. Burlat”, “B. Windsor” and “Hedelfingen”. The soils having specific characteristics with special conditions of altitude, sun exposure and climate, that must take place in the delimited geographical area.
The climate in the Cova da Beira area is influenced by its position between the mountains of the Serra da Gardunha, Estrela and Malcata. This location provides a significant amount of cold weather, mild spring weather and protection from the winds.
Special features: The "Cereja da Cova da Beira PGI" produced in the delimited geographical area, are essentially characterised by the organoleptic characteristics of the fruit, reflect the climatic conditions of this region situated along the valley of the river Zêzere.
The main varieties of Cereja da Cova da Beira PGI cherry are B.Burlat and the De Saco. These are the oldest varieties and do not suffer during transport.
Production area: All the subdistricts of Fundão, Covilhã e Belmonte.
History: The `Cereja da Cova da Beira PGI´ has been cultivated here since the beginning of the 19th century and was the principal reason for the development of agriculture in the area.
This fruit has become of increasing economic importance in the region and there are many local proverbs relating to it such as: words are like cherries, one of them leads to another. And, still today, it is the custom to offer a bouquet of cherry blossom to the bride and groom in spring time weddings.
Product specification (pdf)
Producer group
Cooperativa Agrícola dos Fruticultores da Cova da Beira, C. R. L.
Control and certification body
Kiwa Sativa – Unipessoal, Lda.
Control plan
Control plan (pdf)
Publication in EU official journal
Regulamento (CE) n.º 1107/96 da Comissão – L 148 de 21.06.1996