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
05 Sep 2024
Germany is the third-largest importer of fresh cherries worldwide, after China/Hong Kong and Russia. From 2010 to 2022, between 52% and 77% of the cherries consumed in Germany were imported, with most imports coming from other EU member states
10 Feb 2025
"In the last 13 years we have produced an average of 4700 hybrids per year. We collect 80000 seeds, out of which 60000 come from ‘controlled’ open pollinations. The largest families have 250-300 hybrids" says Dr. José Manuel Donoso of INIA Rayantué.
26 Feb 2026
From 3D LiDAR flower quantification to price elasticity and retail margins in Washington, California and Canada, this analysis explores how pollinators, seasonal supply constraints and in-store strategies shape cherry volumes, pricing dynamics and long-term market value.
26 Feb 2026
In Chile, integrating biodiversity and natural habitats into apple and cherry orchards increases fruit set, size and long-term stability. Research by PUCV shows that native vegetation and wild pollinators improve yield and quality without expanding cultivated land.
