Do you have a cherry tree in your backyard but don’t know how to pick the fruit from the top of the tree? Picking cherries from the top of a tree is a tricky affair, as it requires some physical ability and knowledge about the crop. This article will offer insight into the process and provide some useful tips and tricks to help you in your cherry-picking endeavors.
Cherry-picking is a seasonal activity, usually done around the harvesting season, when the fruit is ripe. To pick cherries, one needs to be agile and able to climb the tree and balanced enough to walk along the branches to reach the cherries at the top. Cherries must be picked one by one and never picked in bunches as this can damage both the tree and the fruit.
Safety must be considered when picking cherries. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes with a good grip. Wear long-sleeved clothing and rope gloves to prevent scratches. Wear a helmet for additional protection for your head. If you don’t feel confident about climbing the tree, use a tree stand or ladder to reach the cherries. Don’t forget to bring a bag or bucket to hold your harvest.
Before climbing up, inspect the tree. Avoid branches that look weak or damaged. Move up the tree slowly and calmly to prevent the branches from breaking. Finally, know when to pick the cherries: ripe cherries will have a bright color and if you gently shake the tree, the fruits should fall off without too much effort.
With the following tips in mind, consider the method and timing of your cherry-picking. The longer you wait to pick the cherries, the higher they may be up the tree, so always consider the tree’s growth when planning your harvest. Choose your branches carefully and, if needed, use a ladder to reach higher branches. Wear the right clothing to protect yourself and always use caution when ascending and descending the tree.
You can generally expect one cherry tree to yield around 25kg of cherries. However, this can vary depending on the size of the tree, the climate and the conditions in which it grows. The fruit of the cherry tree is edible and can be eaten raw, cooked or turned into jams, jellies and syrups.
Different Varieties of Cherries
Different varieties of cherries can be found all over the world, though the sweetest ones come from the United States, Europe and South America. Some of the most popular varieties include Bing, Rainier, Lambert and Black Tartarian. Each variety has its own unique flavor, texture and color, so it’s important to research which type best suits your needs.
Organic Picking
Organic cherry-picking is becoming increasingly popular as it helps protect the environment and offers a higher quality product. Organic cherries are usually grown without the use of chemical pesticides or herbicides. To ensure the highest quality, look for organic cherries that are dark red in color and have a hard outer shell. This will indicate that they were picked at the peak of ripeness.
Post-Harvest Care
Proper post-harvest care is essential to avoid spoilage and prolong the life of your cherries. Cool and dry temperatures are ideal for cherries, so store them in your refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you’re preserving your cherries for winter, consider freezing them or canning them in a syrup.
Selling Your Cherries
Cherries can be sold as fresh fruit, processed fruit, juices and jams. There are many markets, local grocery stores and wholesalers that buy and sell cherries. You can negotiate with these vendors for the best prices and deals. Selling your cherries at a farmers’ market is another way to market your produce and make a profit. You can create a simple stand, grow your customer base, and sell your cherries to people who live near you.
Marketing Your Cherries
Marketing is one of the most important parts of selling cherries. You can advertise your product in a variety of ways, including distributing flyers, printing pamphlets, and setting up a website or a blog. You can also consider social media as a marketing tool to reach a wider audience. Create profiles on popular platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and post updates regularly.
Health Benefits
Cherries are high in antioxidants and are known for their health benefits. They are an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, iron and potassium. They are low in cholesterol and can help reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, they are thought to reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Finally, they are a rich source of melatonin, which helps regulate the immune system and promote better sleep.
Recipes
Cherries can be used to make delicious desserts and beverages, such as cherry pies, crumbles, and pies, as well as cocktails and smoothies. They are also delicious when added to salads and sandwiches. For more creative ideas, take a look at online recipe sites for some inspiration.
