We’re jumping for joy this year because farmers are telling the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association that California’s sweet cherries are arriving right on schedule! Last year they had to be harvested two to three weeks late because of the heavy rain and wind we received.
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Last year’s rain and wind came — and continued — at a time when the cherry blossoms were just setting their fruit and they were unceremoniously knocked off the trees! The yield was less, and the season was shorter than usual.
This year, farmers tell us they’re looking forward to a good yield, sweeter cherries and an abundance of fruit through the growing and harvesting season (about two to three months). This winter brought the perfect number of chilly hours (cherry trees need a number of hours between 32°F and 45°F for flowering and fruit production each year).
The farmers say plenty of rain and sun have been mixed together, along with dry days interspersed with wet ones to let the trees produce loads of fruit. Missy Gotelli, of Gotelli Farms, said the crop looked like it would arrive the first week in May, right on time, and that the trees look good and heavy with blossoms and fruit.
“Can’t wait for cherry season!” she says. “It’s like our annual reunion at the farmers markets — catching up with familiar faces, sharing stories, and of course, seeing everyone’s face light up when they see Gotelli Farms cherries!”
Another cherry grower, Guy Allard, of Allard Farms, was looking forward to beginning his harvest at the end of April.
“The crop looks good — decent yield and larger fruit,” Allard said recently, adding that ground water has been better, giving tree roots a chance to grow deeper.
His Westley farm just southeast of the Bay Area in Stanislaus County is about 100 acres. Since 1909 they’ve been farming a variety of fruit and nut crops. His Champagne, Brooks, and Coral varieties were expected to arrive at the markets first.
Harvesting a good crop of cherries depends on many factors, from good soil and care to rain and sunshine. This year looks like it will be a good one, thanks to Mother Nature’s cooperation. Cherry farmers are ready for another season with the best fruit they can grow.
Stop by your East Bay farmers’ market this May and June and enjoy some of California’s best sweet cherries, including varieties from Stockton’s aforementioned Gotelli Farms, Hughson’s J&J Ramos Farms and Hollister’s Diaz Farm.
Debra Morris is a promotions coordinator for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. Contact her at debramorris@pcfma.org.
Recipe: Cherry Arugula Salad
ingredients
a third of a pound of pitted fresh cherries
half a pound of baby or wild arugula
2 ounces of crumbled feta cheese
half a cup of walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped and toasted
4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
flaky coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
instructions
Toast the pecans in a dry pan for five minutes. Cut the cherries in half lengthwise and place them in a large serving bowl. Add the arugula, cheese and pecans. Drizzle with the oil and vinegar, add a few generous pinches of salt over the top and season with pepper. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.