Eager to pick some fresh cherries this summer? If you have a tall tree in your backyard, you can easily pick cherries by yourself. Picking cherries from tall trees may seem overwhelming, but with the right techniques and tools, you can easily harvest your cherry tree. Here are some tips on how to pick cherries from tall trees.
Preparing to Pick the Cherries
Before you start picking cherries from your tree, you need to prepare. This includes gathering the tools and supplies you will need to pick the cherries safely, such as a ladder, gloves, hats, and a long-handled picking tool.
Next, inspect your tree to ensure that it is safe to climb. Look for any broken or weak branches, and make sure there are no wasps or bees that may sting you while you’re picking. It’s also important to pick a day when the weather is calm, as high winds can make it difficult to climb the ladder.
Finally, check the cherries to determine whether they are ripe. Unripe cherries will not taste as sweet and may not be ready to pick. To collect the cherries that are ripe, use your hands to gently twist and pull the cherry off its stem.
Harvesting the Cherries
Now that you have prepared, it’s time to begin harvesting your cherries. Begin by placing the ladder securely against the trunk of the tree and climb up. Make sure the ladder is firmly planted and that you have a stable base before picking the cherries. When you reach the top of the tree, examine the branches for ripe cherries.
If the cherries are higher up, you may need to use the long-handled picking tool or a cherry picker. With the tool, you can reach up and grab the cherries without having to climb the ladder. However, it may not be as efficient as simply picking the cherries off the branches yourself.
When picking the cherries, use gentle movements. Don’t pull or yank the cherries off the stem, as this could damage the tree. Also, be careful not to drop any ripe cherries down to the ground. Once you have collected all the ripe cherries, you can move on to the next step.
Storing the Cherries
Once you have finished picking the cherries, you need to store them properly. Place the cherries in a shallow basket or bowl and bring them down from the tree. After that, place the cherries in a shallow container and store in the fridge for up to one week.
When storing the cherries, make sure that the container is air tight and that the cherries do not come into contact with any moisture. You can also store the cherries in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer for up to one year. However, before freezing the cherries, make sure you remove the stems and leaves to prevent spoilage.
Preventing Disease
When picking cherries from tall trees, it’s important to prevent the spread of diseases. To maintain a healthy tree, it’s important to inspect the tree regularly and prune any dead or damaged branches. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and ensure a higher yield of cherries.
You should also use separate containers to store the cherries. This will help to prevent cross-contamination and ensure that the cherries remain fresh and tasty. Finally, it’s important to dispose of any rotten fruit and stems properly to prevent the spread of infection.
Protecting Yourself
When picking cherries from tall trees, it’s important to take measures to protect yourself. Always wear protective clothing, such as gloves, hats, and long sleeves, to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. You should also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun.
It’s also important to use the ladder correctly. Make sure to have someone hold the ladder steady for you if possible, and always keep both hands on the ladder as you climb. Finally, make sure to use the correct technique to pick the cherries so that you don’t strain yourself.
Profiting from Your Cherries
Harvesting your own cherries can be a lucrative venture. You can sell freshly-picked cherries at local farmers markets or use them to make jams, pies, and other treats to sell. You can also turn your cherry harvest into a source of income by selling seedlings to local nurseries.
If you’re looking to make money from your cherry harvest, it’s important to monitor market prices and adjust accordingly. If you’re selling at a farmers’ market, you should also take into account the cost of labor, packaging, and transportation when pricing your cherries.
You can also enter your homemade products in contests or competitions. Many farmers’ markets and nurseries offer rewards and recognition for the best cherries, jams, and other products. This can help bring in more customers and increase your profits.
Preserving Cherries
Although it’s best to consume cherries as soon as possible after picking, you can also preserve them for longer-term storage. One of the most popular ways to preserve cherries is to freeze them, either whole or pitted. This is a great way to enjoy cherries all year round.
You can also can cherries for longer storage. This involves packing the cherries in jars with a liquid solution to help preserve the fruit. Canning cherries can be time consuming, but the result is a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed for months.
Another popular way to preserve cherries is to make jam or jelly. This process involves cooking the cherries in sugar and other ingredients until it forms a thick, spreadable jelly. This preserves the cherries and adds a delicious flavor to toast, oatmeal, and other foods.
Conclusion
Harvesting cherries from a tall tree can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be a rewarding experience. With a little bit of preparation, you can enjoy fresh cherries throughout the summer and turn your harvest into a source of income. So, put on your gloves, grab your ladder, and enjoy the sweet rewards of picking cherries from your tree!
