Victorian cherry farmers are optimistic about the 2023 season after a tough La Niña-affected year. Cherry orchards in Victoria are currently in full bloom, signaling a promising harvest. Typically, the season starts in early November, peaks in December, and lasts about 100 days, making it ideal for festive celebrations and gifts.
Varieties like Merchant, Bing, Regina, Lapin, Sweet Georgia, Sweetheart, and Van are grown in key regions like Goulburn Valley, Yarra Valley, and Sunraysia. What's unique is that different cherry varieties ripen every week during the season, offering a diverse tasting experience.
The Victorian Cherry Trail allows visitors to meet growers and enjoy freshly picked cherries. These versatile fruits are not only delicious snacks but also enhance various dishes, including salads, sauces, and desserts.
Bees are crucial in pollinating cherry blossoms in September, setting the stage for November's harvest. Cherries are a popular Christmas gift, supporting local Victorian farmers.
Read the full article: Beat
08 Apr 2025
Dr. Jesús Alonso, postharvest scientist at CSIC, joins the Cherry Times technical scientific commitee. With deep expertise in cherry quality, storage technologies, and sustainable solutions, he supports innovation and technical development across the entire cherry supply chain.
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A field trial in Chile’s Maule Region confirms the effectiveness of K-MAD®, a potassium-based product that improves cherry color, size, weight and °Brix. Results show earlier ripening, greater harvest uniformity and high leaf potassium content after harvest.
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In Coquimbo, Chile, the cherry harvest could begin between October 10 and 15, one of the earliest dates ever recorded in the region. Production is expected to fall by 50%, while larger fruit, higher sugar levels and access to new markets could support growers this season.
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In New Zealand, real-time monitoring with IoT sensors helps cherry growers track temperature and humidity during transport, prevent spoilage, reduce food waste and preserve quality and freshness from the orchard to the market throughout the entire cold-chain journey.
