How Are Cherries Harvested: A Fascinating Insight
How Are Cherries Harvested?
Cherries are typically harvested during the summer when they are fully ripe and have obtained the characteristic color of the variety.
The fruits should have a minimum soluble solids content (SSC) of 14-16% to be harvested.
Harvesting should be done when the weather is dry and during the cooler hours of the day.
Handpicking is possible but requires an experienced crew to avoid damaging the fruits and the spur.
Cherries should be collected with scissors to reduce the risk of post-harvest infections.
Additionally, there is also a mechanical harvesting process for cherries.
The mechanical harvester machine shakes the cherry tree trunk, causing the fruits to fall into collecting nets, which then drop into a roller belt that leads to a fan.
The fan separates the leaves from the fruit stalk, and after sorting, the cherries are placed in boxes for storage.
Post-harvest, cherries should be kept in a shaded place and transported to a storage-cooling area with controlled environmental conditions.
The storage life of cherries depends on their health and variety, with some varieties suitable for up to 45 days.
Measures should be taken to ensure good sanitation and prevent post-harvest contamination.
Key Points:
- Cherries are harvested during the summer when they are fully ripe and have obtained their characteristic color.
- Harvesting can be done by handpicking or using a mechanical harvester machine.
- Fruits should have a minimum soluble solids content (SSC) of 14-16% to be harvested.
- Harvesting should be done when the weather is dry and during cooler hours of the day.
- Handpicking requires an experienced crew to avoid damaging the fruits and the spur.
- Cherries should be collected with scissors to reduce the risk of post-harvest infections.
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that cherries are traditionally harvested by hand? Despite advancements in technology, many cherry farmers still prefer the delicate touch of human hands to ensure the fruit remains undamaged during the picking process.
2. In the United States, Michigan is the largest producer of tart cherries, while Washington state takes the lead in producing sweet cherries. Each state’s unique climate and soil conditions contribute to the specific type of cherries they produce.
3. To protect cherry crops from frost damage, some farmers use helicopters to create strong air currents that mix warm and cold air. The upward airstream generated by the helicopter’s blades helps prevent the formation of frost on the cherry blossoms or developing fruits.
4. It takes approximately 3-4 years for a cherry tree to start producing its first harvest. After planting, the tree requires time to establish strong roots and reach maturity before it can yield a substantial crop.
5. The famous cherry blossom festivals in Japan originated as early as the 8th century and signaled the start of the rice-planting season. Over time, the festivals transitioned into celebrations of the beauty and transience of cherry blossoms, known as “sakura” in Japanese.
Cherry Yield Factors
The amount of cherries harvested per hectare can vary significantly depending on various factors. One of the main factors is the variety of cherries being grown. Sour cherries, for example, have been known to produce up to 9.5 tons per hectare, while sweet cherries typically yield around 4-10 tons per hectare on average. However, some super-intensive cherry orchards have even recorded yields exceeding 14 tons per hectare.
Apart from the cherry variety, other crucial factors that influence cherry yields include the age of the tree, the training system employed, environmental conditions, and cultivation practices. The age of the tree is particularly significant, as cherries typically start producing fruit in their third to fifth year. This growth timeline allows the trees to establish their root systems and develop the necessary nutrient reservoirs to support fruiting.
Furthermore, the training system utilized in cherry orchards can also impact the yield. Different training systems, such as spindle or central leader, can affect the amount of sunlight and airflow reaching the cherries, consequently influencing their development. Environmental conditions, such as temperature, rainfall, and sunlight, play a crucial role as well. Finally, cultivation practices, including fertilization, irrigation, and pest management, significantly impact cherry yields.
Harvesting Season For Cherries
Cherries are typically harvested during the summer months, with the exact timing depending on the region and variety.
The ideal time for harvest is when the fruits are fully ripe and have obtained the characteristic color of their respective variety. Additionally, cherries should have a minimum soluble solids content (SSC) of 14-16% before they can be harvested. This ensures that the cherries have developed the desired sugar content and flavor.
It is important to consider the weather conditions when planning the harvest. Cherries should be harvested when the weather is dry, as moisture can increase the risk of post-harvest diseases and reduce the fruit quality.
Additionally, it is advisable to harvest cherries during the cooler hours of the day to minimize heat stress on the fruits and maintain their firmness and quality.
- Harvest cherries when fully ripe and with characteristic color
- Minimum soluble solids content (SSC) of 14-16%
- Consider weather conditions, harvest during dry weather
- Harvest during cooler hours of the day to minimize heat stress on fruits.
Criteria For Ideal Cherry Harvest
When harvesting cherries, it is important to consider several criteria to ensure optimal fruit quality. Visual appearance plays a crucial role, with the cherries needing to be fully colored, glossy, firm, and large in size. They should also be free of any cracks or bird pecks. In terms of taste, the cherries should be juicy and crunchy, providing a delightful eating experience for consumers. Another important factor is that the cherries must be attached to a fresh green stem, indicating proper handling throughout the harvesting process.
To avoid damaging the fruits and their spur (fruiting twig), it is necessary to have an experienced crew for handpicking cherries. Each cherry should be cleanly cut from its stem using scissors, which reduces the risk of post-harvest infections. Manual harvesting with gentle and precise cutting helps maintain the integrity of the fruit, ensuring a premium quality product.
Methods Of Harvesting Cherries
The introduction of mechanical harvesting processes has revolutionized the cherry industry by improving efficiency and reducing labor costs. Instead of relying solely on handpicking, mechanical harvesters are designed to shake the cherry tree trunk, causing ripe cherries to fall onto collecting nets placed under the trees. These nets effectively collect the cherries as they drop, making the harvesting process more efficient.
To separate the cherries from any leaves or debris, a fan is used on the roller belt where the cherries are transferred. This separation process ensures that only the cherries are collected for further processing.
After the separation process, the cherries undergo a sorting stage to remove any damaged or defective fruits. This ensures that only high-quality cherries are chosen for storage and transportation.
In summary, the use of mechanical harvesters in the cherry industry has significantly improved efficiency by streamlining the harvesting process. Key steps involved in this process include:
- Shaking the cherry tree trunk to make ripe cherries fall onto collecting nets
- Using a fan to separate the cherries from leaves and debris on the roller belt
- Sorting the cherries to remove any damaged or defective fruits
This efficient method allows for the storage and transportation of high-quality cherries, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers.
Post-Harvest Management And Storage Of Cherries
After harvesting, cherries require proper post-harvest management and storage to maintain their quality and prolong their shelf life. Initially, cherries should be kept in shaded areas to minimize exposure to sunlight and heat, which can lead to premature ripening or deterioration. It is essential to handle the cherries gently to prevent bruising that could accelerate rot.
For longer-term storage, cherries are typically transferred to a dedicated storage-cooling area with controlled environmental conditions. The temperature within this storage area should be maintained between -0.5 and 0.5 °C, while the relative humidity should be kept high at 90-95%. These conditions help slow down the metabolism of the cherries, preserving their freshness and reducing the risk of decay.
The storage life of cherries depends on several factors, including their health and variety. Some varieties are more suitable for long-term storage and can remain in good condition for up to 45 days. However, it is crucial to regularly monitor the cherries for any signs of decay or damage during storage to prevent the spread of pathogens and maintain product quality.
To ensure good sanitation and prevent post-harvest contamination, proper hygiene measures should be implemented. Regular cleaning of storage facilities, equipment, and containers is essential, and any damaged or spoiled cherries should be promptly removed to prevent the risk of disease spreading to healthy fruit.
“The harvest of cherries involves various factors affecting yield, diligent timing for optimal harvest, and careful attention to fruit quality during and after the harvesting process.”
- Keep cherries in shaded areas to minimize exposure to sunlight and heat.
- Handle cherries gently to prevent bruising.
- Transfer cherries to a storage-cooling area with controlled conditions.
- Maintain temperature between -0.5 and 0.5 °C and relative humidity at 90-95%.
- Monitor cherries for signs of decay or damage during storage.
- Regularly clean storage facilities, equipment, and containers.
- Promptly remove any damaged or spoiled cherries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do cherries have to be hand picked?
While cherries are often hand-picked, modern advancements have introduced alternative methods for harvesting. Traditionally, hand-picking is preferred as it allows for careful selection and minimizes potential damage to both the fruit and tree. However, technological innovations such as mechanical shakers have been developed to efficiently harvest cherries, ensuring a higher yield while preserving the integrity of the crop. Although hand-picking remains an essential practice, these innovative techniques offer a promising solution to the challenges of cherry harvesting.
How are cherries collected?
Cherries are carefully collected by hand, without the use of any harvesting tools. As they grow, cherries naturally form large clusters, which are left intact during the harvesting process. These clusters are then taken to the packing line, where each cherry is individually separated and prepared for packaging. This meticulous hand-picking method ensures that each cherry is handled with care to maintain their quality and prevent any damage during harvesting.
What is the cherry picking method?
The cherry picking method is an investment strategy that relies on following the choices made by reputable investors or institutions. Rather than conducting their own research, cherry pickers make decisions based on the recommendations and findings of these trusted sources. This approach allows them to benefit from the expertise and knowledge of others, mitigating the need for extensive analysis or research on their part. By carefully selecting investments that have been vetted by reliable sources, cherry pickers aim to increase their chances of success and achieve favorable returns in their portfolios.
How and where do cherries grow?
Cherries thrive in regions with mild summer temperatures and moderate winter climates, making them suitable for cultivation across the globe. These trees necessitate a period of winter cold for blossoming in the spring. Once the frosty season diminishes, cherry trees burst into bloom, typically earlier than apple trees and shortly after peaches. This delicate fruit can be found in diverse regions as long as the weather conditions align with their growth requirements.