Cherries of Vodena Edessa

In the heart of Macedonia, where nature paints with the most vivid colours, Pella and especially Edessa emerge every year as the protagonists of Greek cherry production. The region’s cherries are not just fruit; they are a taste experience, a symbol of tradition and an ambassador of gastronomic quality.

The famous variety “Crispy Vodena”, with its deep red colour, thin skin and fresh, crispy flesh, is an integral part of the local production. Alongside it, we find modern, highly improved varieties such as Ferovia, Regina, Vassiliadis and heart-shaped Bakirtsiaika, which stand out not only for their taste but also for their resistance to transport.

Edessa and the wider region produce about 70% of Greek cherries, with large quantities being exported abroad, enhancing the reputation of Pella internationally. It is no coincidence that the cherries of the region are labelled as a Product of Designation of Origin (PDO), recognising their special quality.

The secret of success? The ideal microclimate, the many hours of low temperatures during the day and the altitudes that often reach 1,700 metres. High up in Kaimaktsalan, the cherry trees fruit slowly, with the harvest starting around 20 June, offering cherries of unsurpassed flavour.

For more than 200 years, cherry growing has been intertwined with the identity of Pella. From April, the cherry trees blossom, dressing the area in white and heralding the annual celebration of the summer fruit.

The cherries of Pella are much more than just a delicious fruit. They are the taste of summer, the tradition of the place and proof that Pella, apart from being a historical destination, is also a gastronomic treasure.