Ideal growing conditions and large fruit helped create a record Pacific Northwest cherry crop during the 2017 cherry season. Due to a cool spring and evenly distributed bloom, the crop will extend into late August. Dave Gleason, Chief Horticulturist, shows off one of the high-elevation cherry blocks in Selah, Washington. “We love what we are doing. The summer cherry harvest has really been smiling at us, and the fruit has been progressing nicely. The sugar is great, the flavor is excellent, and we like what we are picking,” describes Gleason.
“In these late summer days, we are careful with the hot temperatures,” Gleason continues. “We organize our picking and packing to get the cherries off the tree, into the bin quickly, and into refrigeration as soon as possible. We understand if the fruit warms up, it will soften and affect the condition.”
Cherry harvest is a coveted time for cherry pickers, as pay is high. Most picking is done in the early mornings, during the more excellent parts of the day. Starting earlier in the day and finishing around lunchtime ensures the sweetest, firmest, and most delicious Superfresh cherries.
Dave concludes by reminding us that apple and pear season isn’t too far away. The earliest harvest dates start in mid to late August and will take off in September. Superfresh Growers® is expecting an excellent and large volume of organic apple and pear crops. The cool spring slowed cell division, resulting in smaller fruit for this coming crop year. For both organic and conventional, apple and pear sizing will decrease from previous years. The upcoming crop is ideal for pouch bags, self-merchandising fruit, and easy-grab options for busy shoppers.
As the late summer days of cherries transition into the early autumn, Superfresh Growers looks ahead to another excellent apple and pear crop.
