Aranhues: A scandal with strawberries! 5 hidden causes of the disappearance of the «red gold» of Spain

Aranhues secrets: Why is real Spanish strawberries become a luxury?

Imagine: a fragrance that can transfer you to a summer garden, where each berry is a small work of art. That was exactly what was Traditional strawberries From Aranhues, once the pride of Spain. But what if I tell you that this paradise taste is on the verge of extinction? Today, only a handful of brave farmers clings to the last crumbs of the earth, trying to maintain a legacy, which is almost 400 years old. This is not just an economic issue, it is a tragedy of taste, culture and centuries.

Aranhuesthe historical center for growing strawberries in Spain, today resembles a battlefield where the old varieties lose the onslaught of hybrids. Only five farmers continue to cultivate the same, traditional Strawberriesand not the ubiquitous large -fruited milling mill. The main reasons for such a dramatic reduction? The absence of young heirs ready to continue the case, and astronomical costs for harvesting. This is not just a decline, it is a cry of the soul of the last guardians of a genuine taste.

The forbidden secrets of royal gardens: from Versailles to your plate

Story traditional strawberries In this region, this is a real detective. It began in the 17th century, when Philip V, the first bourbon on the Spanish throne, dreamed of gardens that did not inferior to Versailles. It was then that these precious berries were brought from France, which, to surprise, took root in the fertile valley of the Tahoe River. At first it was a treat for aristocrats, but over time strawberry It has become available to mere mortals. In 1851, in honor of its popularity, the famous “Strawberry train” was launched — the second railway route in the country, which connected Aranhues with Madrid and radically changed the logistics of the crop. Imagine what a sensation it was?

Jorge Nieto, one of the last knights traditional strawberriesthe representative of the fifth generation of farmers, bitterly notes: “Soils here are gold. For centuries irrigated for centuries, they give such a taste that cannot be obtained with chemistry. ” This season, he planted only 30 thousand bushes on an area of ​​less than half -hectares. For comparison, cutter — more than 150 thousand plants in an area from above hectare. The difference is colossal, and she speaks for itself. It is how to compare the manual work of a master with conveyor production.

Stunning Revelations: Why is real strawberries not for supermarkets

Traditional strawberries Significantly less milling, and its cultivation is a whole science that requires jewelry accuracy. Collection is hellish labor: the berries are gentle, like a cloud, and breaks literally before our eyes. The crop is harvested early in the morning, pour 125 grams each in tiny containers, and in the evening they begin to darken and crumble. That is why you will never see it on the shelves of supermarkets in Spain, unlike France or Italy, where they know a lot about quality. This is not just a product, it is a delicacy for the elect.

Farmers do not hide: the price of Traditional strawberries High — about 7 euros for such tiny packaging. Why? The whole secret in manual work. For comparison, a kilogram of a milling machine costs about 8 euros, but it is collected many times faster. In addition, productivity is a Russian roulette: a lack of sun or protracted rains can destroy all the work. It’s like walking on thin ice, not knowing when it cracked.

“This is not just strawberries. This is part of our soul, our history. Each bush, every berry is sweat and love. We can’t just quit it, ”Fernando Alcasar, a farmer from Aranhues.

The problem is aggravated by a catastrophic lack of young specialists who are ready to might in agriculture, and the lack of qualified collectors. Many farmers work at a loss, because the market requires impeccable quality, and the conditions become more and more unbearable. This is not just a business, it is survival in conditions that the modern world dictates.

Explosive taste: why do farmers do not give up, no matter what

Fernando Alkasar, who began to engage in Strawberry In 2000, it confirms: the Earth in Aranhuez is literally saturated with calcium and other minerals, which gives the berries a unique taste and aroma. He grows about 1,500 bushes traditional strawberries and 24,000 milling bushes. Its products are scattered among local residents, and the price of a traditional Strawberries reaches incredible 40-50 euros per kilogram. This is not just a high price, this is a recognition of the uniqueness of the product.

Despite all the difficulties, farmers see the light at the end of the tunnel. Local authorities support the initiatives to expand the sown areas, relying on quality, not quantity. Jorge Nieto and Fernando Alkasar are not limited only Strawberry: They grow other vegetables and fruits, supporting the diversity and stability of their farms. This is not just farming, it is a philosophy of life.

Aranhues It remains one of the last strongholds of traditional agriculture in the vicinity of Madrid, carefully preserving the cultural heritage and unique taste of local products. Despite the reduction in the number of farmers, the demand for real Strawberries It remains high, which gives hope to preserve this unique tradition in the future. But is that enough? Or are we risking losing this taste forever?

What do you think? Are you ready to pay more for the real taste, or do you have enough mass product from the supermarket? Share your opinion in the comments and discuss this topic in our telegram chat: https://t.me/spin_alicante

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FAQ: Everything you wanted to know about Aranhues strawberries

1. Why did the number of farmers growing traditional strawberries in Aranhues decreased to five?

The main reasons are the lack of young heirs ready to continue agricultural work, and high costs for manual harvesting, which is very laborious.

2. How does traditional strawberries differ from the milling cutter?

Traditional strawberry Significantly smaller in size, more tender and requires special, labor -intensive care. The cutter is larger, more resistant to transportation and is easier to collect.

3. What is the history of strawberries in Aranhues?

Strawberry It was brought to Spain from France in the 17th century by order of King Philip V, who wanted to create gardens similar to the Versailles. She took root in the fertile valley of the Tahoe River.

4. Why is traditional strawberries not sold in supermarkets?

The berries are very tender, quickly deteriorate and crumble, which makes them unsuitable for prolonged transportation and implementation in large retail chains.

5. How much does the traditional strawberry of Aranhues cost?

The price is traditional Strawberries High due to a large volume of manual labor. For a small package of 125 grams, the price can reach 7 euros, and 40-50 euros per kilogram.

6. What weather conditions affect the yield of strawberries?

The lack of sunny days and prolonged rains can seriously damage the plantation and reduce productivity.

7. Do local authorities support the production of traditional strawberries?

Yes, local authorities support initiatives to expand the sown areas, focusing on quality, and not on quantity.

8. Why are soils in Aranhues considered unique for growing strawberries?

The soils are very fertile due to the long -haired irrigation, rich in calcium and other minerals, which gives the berries a special taste and aroma without the use of additional fertilizers.

9. Are there any prospects for the preservation of traditional agriculture in Aranhues?

Despite difficulties, the demand for real Strawberries It remains high, and local authorities support farmers, which gives hope to preserve this tradition in the future.

10. What other products do farmers grow in Aranhuez?

In addition Strawberriesfarmers often grow other vegetables and fruits in order to maintain the variety and stability of their farms.