
Sweet, juicy, and beautiful: the Ciliegia Ferrovia (Ferrovia Cherry) is the red gold of Puglia. Born near the railway tracks, it has become the queen of summer cherries, a symbol of taste, tradition, and territory. Discover its fascinating history, benefits, uses in cooking, and festivals in Puglian villages like Turi and Conversano. With its unique flavor, it seduces the world and brings Puglia to international tables.
There is a fruit in Puglia that, more than any other, tells stories of land, passion, and unmistakable beauty and sweetness: the Ciliegia Ferrovia. A symbol of Puglian summer with an intense color that makes it unmistakable, the Ciliegia Ferrovia is not just a fruit; it is an emblem of the South-East Bari area, deservedly nicknamed the "Red Gold of Puglia".
🏡 Why is it called "Ferrovia"? The Fascinating Origins of the Cherry
The Ciliegia Ferrovia has a name and two souls. The name "Ferrovia" (Railway) is steeped in legend and ingenuity.
The most widespread narrative places its first appearances in the 1930s.
It is said that the first tree was born by chance from a seed thrown near a railway crossing house of the Ferrovie Sud-Est in Sammichele di Bari, cared for for years by the gatekeeper of the time, Rocco Giorgio. It was that proximity to the tracks that inspired the name of the "Ferrovia" cherry variety. Another popular account takes us to Turi, between the late 1940s and early 1950s. Here, the farmer Matteo Di Venere, along with his brother-in-law Giovanni Arrè, planted some seeds of the "ruvo-capa di serpe" variety.
The fruit that grew was unique in shape, flavor, and consistency.
It was the merchant Vito Simone who first recognized its potential: by carefully observing those cherries with exceptional consistency, he intuited their resistance and immediately understood their suitability for railway transport. "A railway cherry!" The firmness of its pulp, which is solid, tenacious, and truly "tough," made the Ferrovia cherry perfect for reaching Northern Italy and foreign markets, particularly in Germany, where the Turi Ferrovia was even compared to a "Mercedes".
Unlike other, even very good, varieties that do not arrive at their destination in perfect condition, the Ferrovia "held up very well." All this contributed to its success.
Mature Ferrovia cherries on a cherry branch, Puglian excellence in its natural state.
🍒Botanical and Distinctive Characteristics
The Ciliegia Ferrovia is today the most widespread variety in Puglia and among the most cultivated throughout Southern Italy.
From a botanical point of view, it is known as Prunus avium L. and is immediately distinguished by its vermilion red skin, sometimes dark, always bright, which captures attention and promises a unique flavor.
When tasted, one discovers a pink but firm and crunchy pulp, particularly juicy, making it perfect both for fresh consumption and for sweet preparations. Its heart shape, with a long and elegant stem, is unmistakable. Its size is often above average, and can reach or exceed 28-30 mm, a distinctive feature much appreciated in foreign markets as well.
It ripens between late May and mid-June, requires mild climates and well-drained soils, but in return offers surprising resistance to cracking, even in case of rain. It is a variety that stores very well.
It's no surprise that the Ferrovia has been repeatedly elected "Best Cherry in Italy" in national competitions organized by authoritative entities like Slow Food.
Ferrovia Cherry Production Areas
The Ciliegia Ferrovia has found its cradle of excellence in the South-East Bari area. Turi, Conversano, and Casamassima are the nerve centers of production.
Turi, in particular, hosts thousands of hectares cultivated with cherry trees, with a production covering about one-sixth of the national harvest.
Conversano also plays a fundamental role, contributing volumes that represent almost half of Italy's cherry production.
💪 Properties, Benefits, and Well-being
It's not just the taste that makes the Ciliegia Ferrovia precious: this fruit represents a genuine ally for well-being, thanks to its recognized nutritional and beneficial properties.
• Purifying, diuretic, detoxifying, and light.
• Very rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, powerful antioxidants.
• Natural source of mineral salts: potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium.
• Rich in carotenoids, useful for skin and tanning.
• Contains natural melatonin, which promotes regular sleep.
• Low calorie content: only 38 kcal per 100 grams.
• Good fiber intake, useful for digestion and satiety.
• Also excellent for those following a low-sugar diet or who are diabetic.
• Used in herbal teas and decoctions to purify kidneys and counteract cystitis.
🍽️ Uses in the Kitchen: Versatility and Delights from the "Red Heart"
The Ciliegia Ferrovia is perfect eaten fresh, and then in the kitchen, it truly surprises: it can be dried, cooked, or frozen and transformed into various preparations. It is one of the most versatile fruits in Puglian cuisine:
• Ideal for jams, tarts, and spoon desserts.
• Used to make classic cherries in spirits or rum, to be preserved all year round.
• Also excellent in savory dishes: with fresh cheeses, bruschetta, or summer risottos.
• Michelin-starred chefs have used it in innovative dishes: rabbit with cherry, tortelli with duck ragù and cherries, braised endive with cherry reduction.
🥄 Easy Recipe: Cherries in Rum
This is one of my favorite preparations: perfect for preserving the aroma and flavor of cherries all winter.
Ingredients:
• 500 g Ferrovia cherries
• 200 ml dark rum
• 100 g sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Method:
Wash the cherries without removing the pits. Arrange them in sterilized jars. Add sugar and cover with rum. Close and let macerate in a dark place for at least 3 weeks. Perfect with ice cream or as an after-dinner treat!
📚 Curiosities
• Each Ciliegia Ferrovia can weigh more than double that of a common cherry.
• The harvest still takes place by hand, often at dawn.
• The Cherry Festival of Turi is one of the oldest festivals dedicated to a fruit.
• In Japan, the Puglian Ferrovia is considered a luxury fruit.
The Ferrovia Cherry Festivals: Events and Traditions in Puglia
The Ciliegia Ferrovia is the protagonist of some of the most important early summer festivals in Puglia.
In Turi, the famous "Sagra della Ciliegia Ferrovia" attracts thousands of visitors every year. The 2025 edition was held on June 11, and also included the "Mastercherry Ferrovia" gastronomic competition. In Conversano, the event "Sua Maestà la Ciliegia" (Her Majesty the Cherry) enlivened the historic center with tastings, artisan stalls, and live performances.
These events not only promote the product but also strengthen the agricultural identity of the territory.
The Puglia Region has for years promoted the enhancement of these local excellences, supporting quality supply chains and sustainable agriculture.
The Last Stop of Taste: From Rails to Table 🚂
In conclusion, the Ciliegia Ferrovia is a fruit that carries with it a story of travel, right from its legendary origins near the tracks. Every bite of its crunchy pulp and sweet flavor celebrates this journey on the "railways of taste". Choosing it means supporting the identity of a unique territory, tasting one of the most authentic and fascinating flavors of our summer.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
📌When do Ferrovia cherries ripen?
Between late May and mid-June, with slight variations due to climate.
📌Can they be frozen?
Yes, after pitting them. Perfect for smoothies, desserts, and jams.
📌Do cherries make you gain weight? No, they are low in calories (40 kcal/100g) and perfect for a summer snack.
📌Are they suitable for diabetics?
Yes, in moderation: they have a low glycemic index and few calories.
📌What is the difference between them and other cherries?
The Ferrovia has a larger size, firm pulp, and superior resistance. It is the most suitable for transport and processing.
📌Can I use Ferrovia cherries for desserts?
Absolutely yes. They are ideal for tarts, semifreddos, and soft cherry cakes.
Author:
Clementina Urbano for "SediciPuglia.it", the blog dedicated to cuisine, products, culture, and traditions of Puglia.
Tags:
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