Sweet Aryana: how and when to harvest to maximise quality

25 Nov 2024
1403

Sweet Aryana is a self-fertile cherry variety, high-yielding and early-maturing, introduced to the market by growers aiming to harvest in the initial window, betting on better prices in the Chinese market. However, it has been reported that many growers are harvesting too early, failing to meet quality standards.

According to Fernanda Álvarez, head of development and corporate control at ANA CHILE®—the licensed holder of this variety—“it is not yet the right time.” She emphasizes that “we have evidence that the harvest opportunity for Sweet Aryana begins at color 3.8 mahogany red. At this stage, the balance between soluble solids and acidity is optimal, as well as the firmness, which increases over time with a higher sugar content.”

This variety, positioned as one of the alternatives for early production areas, with years of good chill hours accumulation and a spring with suitable temperatures, can be harvested 5-10 days earlier than Santina.

According to experts at ANA CHILE®, the harvest criteria are color and Brix levels, with optimal harvesting starting no earlier than color 3.8, as per the UC Cherry Color and Size Chart, 2023 (Post-Harvest Laboratory of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile).

They also recommend a minimum of 19°Brix for sea shipments and a minimum of 21°Brix for air shipments. “It is recommended not to harvest with colors below the suggested levels to achieve an adequate sugar-acidity ratio,” concludes Álvarez.

“It is recommended not to harvest with colors below the suggested levels to achieve an adequate sugar-acidity ratio,” concludes Álvarez.

Source: Redagrícola
Images: ANA Chile; SL Fruit Service


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Chilean fruit: none like the cherry in the last 20 years

Production

30 Dec 2024

For the current season, initial estimates predicted a 59% increase in exports compared to the previous season, which translated into more than 131 million boxes. The figure was corrected by the Chilean Committee for Fruit Cherries.

Preparations for La Niña: managing frost and temperatures

Tech management

20 Sep 2024

Leyton, when asked what technologies or practices he considers essential to mitigate the impact of frost, replied that ‘if water is available, it will be the best frost controller. It is difficult to have sufficient water availability at the time of early frosts'.

In evidenza

Little Cherry Disease threatens cherry orchards in Washington State: growers speak out

Crop protection

22 Aug 2025

Little Cherry Disease (LCD) is damaging cherry orchards across Washington State, with growers reporting severe losses. Tree removals and bitter, undersized fruit are symptoms of this threat—comparable to citrus greening (HLB) in Florida’s citrus industry.

Organic fertilizers and compost: sustainable growth in organic orchards in Puglia

Tech management

22 Aug 2025

In Puglia, research on organic orchards highlights how compost and organic fertilizers boost yield, improve soil health, and enhance plant resilience. A sustainable approach that supports Mediterranean organic farming while delivering environmental and agronomic benefits.

Tag Popolari