Elzbieta Rozpara: Polish sour cherry production and future research trends

31 Oct 2023
2837

Poland is one of the leading fruit producers, with a per capita production of 146 kg of fruit. Among the cultivated species, the production of sour cherries stands out, reaching 183 thousand tonnes in 2022, making it one of the largest producers in the world.

In fact, the sour cherry is widely cultivated in Poland due to the plant's excellent resistance to low winter temperatures and the suitability of the soil for this crop. Another interesting feature is the fruit's phenolic component, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which could counteract the harmful effects of free radicals, implicated in the development of diseases such as the cardiovascular ones.

However, the combination of labour shortage and high labour costs has necessitated a change in orchard structure and management techniques.

Elzbieta Rozpara

For example, orchards with historical cultivars are characterised by a low planting density (4 m between trees in the row), which is well suited to harvesting with trunk shakers. Modern plantations (1.2 m – 1.5 m between trees in the row), on the other hand, are better suited to harvesting with cherry harvester. Of the total product, most is processed, either into concentrated juice or frozen products, while only 9% is destined for fresh consumption.

The new research directions are towards the breeding of new varieties suitable for fresh consumption such, with sweeter and large fruits but not only: there is the need to conduct research on organic sour cherry production as well as on the study and elaboration of new processed products.


Source: http://2021.cherries.org.cn/replayEn.html

Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Cherry allergy: tips for diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Health

18 Jul 2024

Allergy to cherries can be primary or secondary. Primary cherry allergy occurs when the immune system reacts directly to the cherry protein itself. Secondary cherry allergy, on the other hand, is a phenomenon of cross-reactivity.

Greenhouse cherries: improving soil health and nutritional status

Tech management

23 Dec 2025

In Chifeng, Inner Mongolia (China), sweet cherry production in solar greenhouses is expanding rapidly. This article explores soil nutrient conditions and recommends targeted actions to correct deficiencies and support high-quality, sustainable cherry farming in the region.

In evidenza

The Jerte PDO cherry is strengthening its reputation for quality and its presence on international markets

Specialties

14 May 2026

The Cereza del Jerte PDO is focusing on quality, traceability and new varieties to strengthen exports and its presence in global markets. After nearly 2,000 certified tonnes last season, the 2026 fruit promises excellent flavour, more visibility and higher certified volumes.

Early cherries: from commercial advantage to precision farming

Production

14 May 2026

Early cherries in Chile are entering a decisive phase: being first on the market is no longer enough. Growers need consistent quality, production stability, agronomic precision and targeted commercial strategies to turn volumes into value and compete in the Chinese market.

Tag Popolari