Excelsa Community

We hand-pick fully ripe, deep red cherries with high sugar content, ensuring minimal defects and consistent quality. After harvesting, cherries are sorted in water; ripe cherries sink while underripe or damaged ones float and are removed. Sorted cherries are spread in thin layers on raised beds in a ventilated polyhouse, which controls temperature and protects against rain and UV exposure. We turn the cherries manually to ensure even drying and prevent fermentation. Regular raking promotes airflow, enhancing the final flavor. In the evenings, cherries are covered to shield them from moisture. We monitor moisture levels, aiming for 11–12% to preserve flavors and minimize microbial risks. After drying, cherries are packed in jute sacks and stored for at least two months to stabilize and mature.