With the inaugural harvest in week 42, the Chilean cherry season officially kicks off in Norte Chico, led by a clear protagonist: the Nimba cv. variety. The first step was taken by Agrícola La Quiroga, at its field in Cerrillos de Tamaya, Ovalle, where the first cherries were harvested without plastic covers, on trees planted in 2021.
Field data confirm the excellent performance of this variety: over 80% of the fruit exceeds 28 mm, with a distribution favoring calibers 30–32 mm, and an average of 70 Durofel points in firmness, while Brix levels range between 16 and 17. This result highlights not only the commercial potential of the variety but also its adaptability to the climatic conditions of northern Chile.
According to A.N.A. Chile, Nimba stands out for its low chilling requirement, early entry into production, and very high productive potential. Harvesting takes place between 16 and 23 days before the Santina variety, making it a strategic choice to anticipate commercial windows and capture markets at favorable times.
This early start has a domino effect across the entire chain of production and export: from harvesting and pre-cooling schedules to export bookings, with the goal of avoiding saturation during the peak production periods from the country’s central-southern regions and ensuring better returns.
For the companies involved, the immediate challenges include timely pre-cooling, careful management of crop load, irrigation in response to high temperatures, and coordinated logistics to preserve product quality until it reaches its final destination.
The debut of the Chilean season in week 42 marks a significant milestone for fruit growing in Norte Chico, positioning it as a key area for ultra-early varieties. The case of Nimba cv. not only inaugurates the season but also strengthens the strategic role of the north in Chile’s cherry production, offering new opportunities for growers and the entire export chain.
Source: www.diariofruticola.cl
Image source: Graeb
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