Cœur de Verberie

‘Cœur de Verberie’ is an old local variety from the Oise department, once widely grown in the villages located east of the Halatte Forest.

The fruit is a large bigarreau cherry with a characteristic heart shape. Its skin turns dark red to almost black when fully ripe. The stone is large but separates easily from the flesh.

The flesh is moderately tender, abundantly juicy and richly sweet. Its mild, pleasant flavour makes it an excellent dessert cherry, while it is also suitable for tarts, clafoutis, sorbets, jams, jellies and other cherry preparations.

Harvest takes place from mid-June to the end of the month. The fruit should be picked when fully ripe to enjoy its abundant juice and sweet flavour at their best.

‘Cœur de Verberie’ was formerly grown around Pontpoint, Roberval, Villeneuve-sur-Verberie and Villers-Saint-Frambourg. The harvests were sold to wholesalers and then shipped to Senlis, Paris and even England. Local people traditionally referred to the large cherry trees of this variety as “cœuriers”.

The tree is vigorous and gradually develops a broad crown, making it suitable for free-standing forms and standard trees. The variety is self-sterile and must be planted with another compatible cherry flowering at the same time.