Victorian orchards and farms prepare for an exciting cherry season
Cherry season is less than a month away – starting in early November – and Fruit Growers Victoria can’t wait for the beloved Victorian fruit to be back in markets and shops.
Proudly grown by Australian farmers across the Goulburn Valley, Yarra Valley, and Sunraysia regions, orchards are blossoming thanks to good spring weather and buzzing bee activity, early seasonal signs indicate the cherry industry is in a good overall position to deliver a sweet and bountiful season that Victorians can look forward to filling their plates with.
The Victorian cherry season typically lasts 100 days, until early February, giving cherry lovers a few months to explore the simple pleasures of this fruit favourite – whether that’s in lunchboxes, entertaining, healthy snack or delicious dessert.
Victoria grows some of the most beloved Australian cherry varieties – Merchant, Bing, Regina, Lapin, Sweet Georgia, Sweetheart, and Van. Working in perfect unison, these varieties ripen at different times throughout the season, giving each their time to shine, and Victorians a new cherry to sample almost every couple of weeks throughout the season.
Peak season coincides with the festive season, so there’s plenty of options for summertime menus. The Lapin cherry in particular has become a staple of Australian Christmas tables, with its sweet flavour and peak time falling around the holiday, making it the ideal seasonal ingredient. And they’re perfect for gifting!
“Cherries are a real favourite over the Christmas period, bringing colour and freshness to family gatherings and making a great gift to share with friends and family,” said Michael Crisera, Grower Services Manager at Fruit Growers Victoria.
“The industry has made significant improvements in cherry quality, including in early-season varieties. That means consumers can look forward to great-tasting cherries earlier in the season, whether they’re enjoying them fresh, adding them to summer salads and desserts, or sharing a box with loved ones over Christmas.”
Inviting Victorians to discover everything this season has to offer, Fruit Growers Victoria has just launched a new interactive online guide – the Victorian Harvest Trail – detailing orchards and farms where all the fresh fruits of the season can be enjoyed straight from the grower. So those looking for the ideal reason to get out into the country can see where they can enjoy farm fresh cherries, and discover where pick your own is available.
The beneficial value of cherries goes beyond their delicious flavour. Promoted by health organisations, cherries are known for their numerous nutritional benefits. A good source of potassium and fibre, cherries are also linked to lower inflammation levels in the body, and reducing the risk of gout.
With a 100g serving containing 40% of daily vitamin C needs, 1.5g of fibre, and just 60 calories, cherries are the ideal summer fruit with their indulgent sweetness and vibrant flavour.
Fruit Growers Victoria encourages Victorians to support the state’s farmers and embrace the cherry season, recommending a visit to at least one orchard this summer to take advantage of farm fresh ingredients.