After what could be one of the longest waits between blossom and harvest, Canadian cherries are ready for harvest.
Cherries in Tieton (above) in the town of Oliver in the Okanagan Valley, just 25km north of the US border, were starting to be picked yesterday June 27, which marked the beginning of the 2022 season.
Temperatures continue to be well below average for the whole of June. But now more typical temperatures in the high 20s / low 30s (80-90F) are emerging and the upcoming forecast is ideal, giving high hopes for the quality and flavor Canadian cherries are famous for.
Cherries in the Kelowna area are all still green, showing that there are many weeks of continuous supply ahead. The start of Lapins in Kelowna is forecast for around July 25th, which is as late as any season seen in the past 20 years since Global Fruit was established.
In Creston, traditionally the latest cherry region in Canada, it’s only just reaching 'June drop' when the trees naturally abort some fruit. This is a very late 'drop' and Global Fruit doesn’t anticipate picking a single cherry in that area before August. It will continue the harvest into September with Staccato, Sentennial and Sovereign if weather permits.
The Global Fruit Team looks forward to helping customers plan a fantastic 2022 Canadian cherry season.
For more information:
Richard Isaacs
Global Fruit
Tel: +1 (250) 254-1241
richard@globalfruit.org