Tastier cherry crop in bumper harvest year
IT IS officially the start of the British cherry season – and shoppers can expect a bumper crop this year.
So reports the trade organisation British Summer Fruits, which has promised that this summer’s harvest of the fruit will produce bigger and juicer cherries, as well as a higher yield.
It is predicted that about 5,000 tonnes of British cherries will be produced this year, compared to 4,700 tonnes in 2017.
The reason for both the increase and the promise of a higher-quality crop is because a lot of younger cherry trees that have been planted are now producing fruit.
A greater reliance on younger trees means the fruits have more strength and space within the foliage in which to grow.
Cherries contain vitamin C, antioxidants and melatonin and, according to British Summer Fruits, contain qualities that can improve mood and promote health sleep patterns.
Appetite for the fruit is growing. Over the past year, UK shoppers spent £131m on cherries and they have attracted 5.6 per cent more new customers.
Matt Hancock, a spokesman for British Summer Fruits, which represents 98 per cent of berries supplied to UK supermarkets, said: “Cherries not only taste great, but they also offer fantastic health benefits and so it’s good news that they are available in abundance this summer.”
The UK’s biggest cherry growing areas are in Kent and Hereford, and the domestic growing season runs from July until early September.
Different varieties ripen at different times in the season.
Merchant cherries, which are available now, can be distinguished by their dark red skin and large size, followed by others including exclusive English variety Penny alongside Kordia and Sweetheart, which ripens towards the end of the season.
Nutritionist Anita Bean said: “Snacking on punnets of cherries this summer is a great and easy way to boost our fruit intake.”