Discovering the typical products of Lari: the unique taste of the Lari IGP Cherry

by letygoeson14, May, 2025Food, Italy, Tuscany

If you love authentic villages and genuine flavors, in Lari you’ll find a real surprise: among the typical products of Lari, the delicious Cherry of Lari IGP stands out, celebrated every year during the Cherry Festival of Lari. It’s the perfect opportunity to taste, discover, and fall in love with this small and charming corner of Tuscany.

There’s a village, nestled in the heart of the Pisan hills, that smells of cherries. A village that looks like it’s been plucked from a painting, with its castle towering over stone houses, narrow alleys winding through ancient arches and wooden shutters, and that sense of authenticity that only certain corners of Tuscany can still offer. I’m talking about Lari, a little gem nestled in the Valdera, famous (also) for its Cherry of Lari IGP, a unique and prized variety unlike any other in terms of flavor, texture, and intensity.

I was lucky enough to spend last weekend here, and I returned with my heart full of wonder… and my suitcase full of cherry-based specialties! Yes, because in Lari, cherries aren’t just grown — true artisanal excellences are created from this iconic fruit, which is transformed into cured meats, sweets, liqueurs, cosmetics, and much more.

And if there’s a perfect moment to discover all of this, it’s during the Cherry Festival of Lari, the most important celebration of the year, which in 2025 will take place on May 24–25 and 31, and June 1–2. A must-attend event for those who want to taste, buy, and celebrate the red gold of Lari at its peak.

But let’s take it step by step.

COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:

The Cherry of Lari IGP

The Cherry of Lari has obtained IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) status because it grows in an ideal microclimate, on well-exposed hilly terrain, and is hand-picked using traditional methods. There are many varieties cultivated, but all share intense sweetness, thin skin, and firm yet juicy flesh, making them perfect to enjoy fresh or in more complex preparations.

It’s not an industrial product: we’re talking about a niche item, carefully cultivated by small local producers who take pride in it and pass it down as a heritage. Harvesting takes place from late May to early June: it’s no coincidence that this is when Lari turns red, and the village streets come alive with stands, music, and irresistible aromas.

Typical Products of Lari Celebrating the Cherry IGP

The Cherry Festival of Lari isn’t just a village fair: it’s the most anticipated event of the year, a true collective celebration involving every resident, every street, and every shop in the village. During those days, Lari becomes a vibrant and fragrant stage, where the Cherry of Lari IGP is the undisputed queen, exalted in a thousand different forms.

Just weeks before the 67th edition of the festival, I had the pleasure of discovering a selection of truly surprising artisanal products that reinterpret the cherry in creative, original, and absolutely delicious ways.

In Lari, the typical products of Lari made with cherry (and more) are available year-round in the village’s historic shops — definitely worth a visit even during quieter months.

During my stay in Lari, I wandered the alleys without crowds, chatted at length with artisans, and listened to the stories behind each creation… It was an authentic and fulfilling experience that made me appreciate even more the passion and care this little Tuscan village puts into its gastronomic products of Lari.

Here are the products I personally tasted (each better than the last), which tell the story of Lari’s love for its IGP cherry..

Cherry Salami

I’ll admit it: I was skeptical. Salami… with cherry? But it turned out to be a revelation. Macelleria Davide Balestri created a product that fuses the savoriness of select meats with the light, fruity sweetness of the Cherry of Lari IGP, without ever being cloying.

At the first bite, you taste an unexpected delicacy, in perfect balance between traditional sausage recipe and bold innovation. The aftertaste is soft, almost velvety, and leaves your mouth with a harmony of flavors that’s hard to describe in words.
Honestly, I had never tasted anything like it !

Cherry Jelly

Another small artisanal masterpiece is the cherry jelly from La Bottega di Canfreo.

This jelly is fragrant, glossy, with a smooth and compact texture — it looks like a ruby-red glass jewel. It pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses, especially the local Tre Latti cheese from Caseificio Busti. It’s also delicious spread on bread or with a dessert spoon.
I bought it during my weekend in Lari, and I can say that every spoonful contains the full intensity of the ripe fruit. You can feel the artisanal touch, the patience in preparation, and the love for quality.

La Bottega di Canfreo is a must-visit in Lari, a shop with a kitchen that is a point of reference for those wanting to explore and taste the typical products of Lari. Not only can you purchase many local delights — including many made with the Cherry of Lari IGP — but you can also sit down to eat in a simple, authentic, and welcoming environment.

I had lunch here on the first day of my Lari weekend, and it was a great opportunity to sample various dishes and preparations that showcase the gastronomic products of Lari in original ways.

The “Festa di Ciliegie” Liqueur

The name says it all: “Festa di Ciliegie” is the symbolic liqueur of the Cherry Festival of Lari, created by the historic Meini Liquor Factory, which has been crafting spirits with passion for generations.

It’s a sweet liqueur, but not overly so — very aromatic and fresh, with a slight alcoholic touch that makes it perfect as a digestive.

I tried it on the night I arrived in Lari, after a traditional dinner in the village, and I swear: it was a burst of freshness and lightness that made me smile and say, “I’ll have another!”
Best served ice-cold in small glass cups: a toast to summer and to the simple beauty of well-made things.

Cherry Cantucci

The cherry cantucci from Forno Bernardeschi are a true hymn to creativity. The cherry replaces the traditional almonds, giving these Tuscan cookies a fruity, intense note that’s never overpowering.

The texture is exactly what a cantuccio should be: crunchy, firm, ideal for dipping into Vin Santo (or better yet, into the “Cherry Festival” liqueur!).

I bought a bag to take home — they didn’t last long. One leads to another. Also perfect as a gastronomic souvenir: original and 100% local. (I’ll write a separate article about them too!)

Cherry Shower Gel

Who says cherries are just for eating? In Lari, beauty is also cherry-red, thanks to the historic Farmacia Boschi Menichetti, which produces a cherry-scented and gentle shower gel.

What struck me, beyond the excellent quality of the product, was the refreshing feeling it leaves on the skin. A natural, lightly fruity scent that soothes and relaxes.

It’s the kind of product you don’t expect to find in a small village like Lari, and yet it surprises you with its attention to detail, sustainability, and local identity. Another wonderful discovery from among the typical products of Lari.

Cherry Soap

While browsing the shelves of local shops in Lari, I also found another unusual and wonderfully scented product: cherry soap by Lo Spigo Boutique, a small artisanal brand making natural cosmetics with local ingredients.

This soap has a sweet but not artificial fragrance: the moment you smell it, it feels like you’re under a blooming cherry tree. It’s creamy, creates a soft lather, and leaves the skin hydrated and velvety.

Also perfect as a gift idea: a little piece of Lari, scented with Tuscan springtime.

Other Local Typical Products of Lari

Martelli Pasta

When talking about the gastronomic products of Lari, it’s impossible not to mention the famous Pasta Martelli, a local institution that has proudly carried on the tradition of artisanal pasta making since 1926. Its historic headquarters are located right at the foot of the Castello dei Vicari, and it’s impossible to miss: the bright yellow color of the Martelli logo adds a cheerful splash to the windows of many local shops, not just in Lari but also in nearby Casciana Terme.

The uniqueness of Martelli Pasta lies in its bronze die extrusion and slow low-temperature drying, two key elements that give the pasta its rough, porous surface—perfect for holding onto any type of sauce. This isn’t just pasta: it’s a high-quality product that tells a story of passion, family, and territory.

To learn more, I invite you to read my dedicated article about the artisanal pasta from the Martelli family pasta factory, one of the most iconic typical products of Lari.

Tre Latti Lari Cheese

Among the most intriguing specialties to discover in Lari is the Tre Latti Lari Cheese, a product that combines technique, tradition, and a touch of mystery. Its name comes from the unique blend of three types of milk—sheep, cow, and goat—carefully combined in equal parts to create a perfectly balanced mix of aromas and flavors. The result is a matured cheese with a complex personality, where the sweetness of cow’s milk harmonizes with the richness of sheep’s milk and the aromatic notes of goat’s milk.

What truly makes this cheese special is its aging process: it takes place inside a natural cave, which can be visited. This atmospheric place, rich in controlled humidity and silence, gives the cheese a nearly magical aura.
It’s a visit, and a story, I’m sure will fascinate you, and which I’ve explored in depth in this article.

Artisanal Cured Meats from Macelleria Ceccotti

Another typical product of Lari not to be missed is the artisanal cured meats from the historic Ceccotti Butcher Shop, a guarantee of quality for those who seek authentic products crafted with care. In particular, the salami is aged naturally in a special chamber where a controlled microclimate encourages the formation of the classic white coating—something connoisseurs recognize as a sign of excellence.

The result is a fragrant salami with a balanced flavor and perfect texture, reflecting a family tradition carried forward with dedication and passion. It’s one of those genuine flavors you recognize from the first bite, and it’s one of the reasons why Lari is the perfect destination for those who want to discover the real Italy through its cuisine.

The Cherry Festival of Lari Is an Unmissable Experience

The Cherry Festival of Lari, organized by the Pro Loco association ViviLari, is not just a food event: it’s a true cultural and social experience that makes you feel part of the local community.

It’s the time when the village comes alive like never before. The streets fill with aromas, colors, and smiles, local producers showcase the Cherry of Lari, the fruit of their hard work, and visitors from all over Tuscany (and beyond) arrive to taste, explore, and be amazed.

On May 24–25–31 and June 1–2, 2025, the village will once again be buzzing with life: there will be food stalls, live music, performances, singing contests, show cooking, aperitifs under the castle, farmers’ markets, and much, much more.
You can check out the full program at this link.

It’s a genuine festival, full of encounters, tastings, and stories, where tradition is renewed thanks to the creativity of artisans and the passion of those who continue to believe in the quality and value of things made with love.

Lari is much more than just a village famous for its cherries. It’s a place where agricultural tradition meets artisanal innovation, where typical products of Lari tell stories, and where every taste is a slice of authentic Tuscany.

If you love small villages, real flavors, and village festivals that can captivate and move you, don’t miss the Cherry Festival of Lari 2025.

And if you get a chance to taste the gastronomic products of Lari—the cherry-infused salami or that fruity-scented liqueur—write to me: I’m curious to know if you liked them as much as I did!