One of the favourite fruit seasons is just around the corner! The Victorian cherry season will begin in early November, and the delicious summer fruit will continue until approximately mid-January.
Looking to start a little early this year, the Victorian cherry season is set to be one of the best seasons in recent years. With some tree varieties flowering between 5-14 days earlier in some locations, the orchards are full of blossom.
In Victoria, orchards grow some of Australia’s favourite cherry varieties, including Merchant, Bing, Regina, Lapin, Sweet Georgia, Sweetheart and Van, with the major cherry production areas being in the Goulburn Valley, Yarra Valley, and Sunraysia regions.
With over 80 varieties of cherries ripening through the season combined with a short season, cherries have new varieties ready to pick almost every week! So cherry lovers can enjoy the many different Victorian cherries across approximately 100 days.
In the run up to Christmas, cherries are at their peak and in abundance, which is why they have a reputation for being a festive fruit – they are perfect for entertaining and gifting.
Alison Jones, Victorian Cherry Association President said, “We can’t wait for everyone to once again experience the incredibly rich, naturally sweet taste that comes from Victorian cherries.”
“Cherries are a summer staple, they really are the ultimate seasonal fruit and guilt-free snack! It is looking to be a great season and we hope that everyone gets to their local greengrocer or supermarket to buy plenty of cherries during the 2-3 months and support our farmers.”
“The Victorian Cherry Trail will open early in the season and it’s great for people to meet the growers themselves and access some freshly picked cherries straight from the farm, whether it’s at the farm gate or pick your own, which is available at some orchards.”
For more information, visit The Victorian Cherry Association website at www.cherries.org.au
