Collecting Tools
Every time you intend to get cherries off a tree there are a few tools that you need to have before you start your harvesting process. You need to have tall ladders, a long-handled pole to pick the fruit, cartons or trays large enough to fit the cherries, water and a cloth to bring down the temperature of the cherries when you bring them down. The ladders are important to get to higher branches and make sure the fruit is in easy reach. The pole pruner can help you reach the branches that cannot be reached using the ladders. It is also important to have trays or cartons that are big enough to hold the cherries once they have been harvested.
Exploring The Tree
Once you have all the necessary tools, you can start exploring the tree. The best way to reach the higher branches of the tree is by using the ladders. You should also be looking for ripe cherries. As you reach the high branches you can use the pole pruner or your hands to pick the fruits. Make sure you are gentle enough not to damage the branches and the surrounding leaves. It is ideal to move around the tree to check for the fruit that is closest to the edge of the branch.
Harvesting The Cherries
When you find ripe cherries make sure to pick them carefully and place them in the cartons or trays. You must make sure not to overfill the trays because as the cherry fruit is getting picked, the center of the tree may become more visible and its branches may need to be pruned in order to keep the tree healthy. When collecting the cherries, use a bucket of water with a cloth and gently bathe the fruits. This is important to ensure that the temperature of the cherries becomes lower and makes them a lot more comfortable during the transportation process.
Cleaning The Cherries
Once the cherries are harvested, it is important to clean them properly in order to preserve their freshness. Rinse each cherry with cold water and use a cloth if necessary to remove any excess dirt from the skin of the fruit. After cleaning, make sure you pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. This will help the cherries retain their freshness for a longer period of time.
Sorting The Cherries
Once all the cherries have been collected and cleaned, it is important to sort them and place them in separate trays. You can categorize them based on their color and size before packing. Fruits that are ripe, with no signs of external damage should be placed in one tray, and fruits with minor damage should be placed in another tray. By sorting them, you can ensure that you get the best quality cherries.
Storing and Packaging The Cherries
After you are done collecting, cleaning and sorting the cherries, it is important to store them in an airy and cool place. You should also pack them in a way that will ensure their freshness and prevent them from getting damaged during transportation. You can use airtight plastic bags or sealed containers to store them. It is also a good idea to label each package with the date of collection and the variety of the cherries being packed.
Using The Cherries Immediately
If you are planning to use the cherries immediately, it is important to carefully select and remove the ones that have spoiled, or have been damaged in any way. Make sure you check for any signs of spoilage, discoloration and bruises before you use them. If the cherries are too soft or have a mushy texture, it is best to discard them as they will not be suitable to cook, bake or make any other dish.
Preparing Cherries For Long-term Storage
Cherries can be stored for up to 2 weeks if stored properly. To make sure the cherries remain intact, place them in a dark and cool place. You can also place them in sealed containers or airtight plastic bags before putting them in the refrigerator. Avoid washing the cherries before storing them and make sure there is no moisture on the skin of the cherries.
What To Do With Over-ripe Cherries
The best thing to do with over-ripe cherries is to use them to make jams or sauces. The cherries should be crushed and mashed until they turn into a thick paste. To add some more flavor to the jam, you can also add a few spices of your choice. The mixture can then be cooked over low heat and stirred until the desired thickness is achieved. Once the jam is ready, it can be served with different dishes or stored in air tight containers.
Cutting Cherries To Avoid Damage
When harvesting cherries it is important to make sure not to damage the fruit. This can be done by using the right tools and techniques. It is important to use the pole pruner or your hands to gently remove the cherries from the branches. You can also use a sharp knife or scissors to cut some cherries from the stems. However, avoid cutting the branches because this can damage the existing as well as new blossoms and can also reduce the overall yield for the season.
How To Reduce Cherry Pests And Diseases
To reduce the risk of cherry pests and diseases, growers should practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This involves proper crop rotation, planting trap crops, early detection and proper identification of the infestation, proper sanitation and elimination of diseased or damaged fruits and proper usage of chemical or organic pesticides. These practices can go a long way in reducing the risk of pests and diseases in the cherry trees.
How To Prune Cherry Trees
Pruning is essential for the proper growth and maintenance of cherries trees as it helps to improve its overall yield. This involves the selective removal of branches and stems of the tree to make sure the tree is in its optimum shape for harvesting. It is best to avoid pruning during the flowering period as this can reduce or delay the flowering or fruiting process of the tree. Cherries trees have a tendency to bear fruits on one-year-old wood, so it is important to prune during the summer and winter to ensure healthy and productive cherry trees.
Organic Fertilizers For Cherry Trees
Organic fertilizers like cow dung manure, bone meal, blood meal, compost and leaf mold can be used to fertilize cherry trees. An application of organic fertilizers twice a year is enough. In the spring, you can apply a slow-release organic fertilizer while in the summer you can apply a liquid fertilizer to keep the trees healthy and productive. These fertilizers not only provide the necessary nutrients but can also help to enhance the flavor of the fruit.
Improving Soil Quality And Fertility
In order to get good yields from cherry trees, it is important to improve the soil quality and fertility of the area. This can be done by adding organic matter such as compost, aged manure or mulch to the soil. You can also add a layer of aged compost or aged manure before planting the tree to give it a good start. This can help to improve the soil structure, provide nutrients, improve the water-holding capacity and increase the organic matter content. This can help to improve the overall health and productivity of the tree.
