Adelaide’s cherry lovers will have to wait just a little longer to enjoy their favourite festive fruit, with this year’s Adelaide Hills harvest delayed thanks to an unusually cool and wet spring. Instead of the warmer sunny days that normally speed up ripening, growers have been dealing with a prolonged development phase that’s pushed the season back by up to two weeks.
Farmers now expect the bulk of picking to begin in the second week of December, marking one of the latest starts in recent years. While the timing might be different, growers are reassuring South Australians that the quality remains on track for Christmas.
Recent stormy weather did damage some cherries that had already ripened, but most crops were protected by their slower development. With the majority of fruit maturing later than usual, growers say the impact will be minimal and shelves will still be full of vibrant, sweet cherries as the festive season arrives.
Encouragingly, the season is set to run longer than usual, stretching well past Christmas and into the New Year. Early sales have already kicked off at Farm Gate locations across Montacute, Norton Summit, Gumeracha and Kersbrook, where locals have wasted no time getting their hands on the season’s first picks.
Fruit Producers SA Chief Executive Officer Grant Piggott says there’s still plenty to celebrate. “The recent rain storms have damaged some crops but there remains a lot of quality fruit for the enjoyment by Adelaide people for the next two months.” He also highlighted just how special the season is for local growers and buyers, saying, “The South Australian fresh cherry season is short—only eight weeks—but it is indeed spectacular.”
As anticipation builds, tech is lending a hand for South Australians eager to plan their orchard visits. The Fresh Fruit app, available through both the Apple Store and Google Play, allows users to check orchard opening hours for Farm Gate sales and the ever-popular Pick-Your-Own experiences. Most orchards are expected to open from the second or third week of December, perfectly in line with the revised harvest schedule.
While the delay may have caused some concern early on, growers say the extra time is likely to result in cherries that are just as juicy and flavourful as ever. As summer hits its stride and the festive season kicks in, it’s shaping up to be another strong year for one of South Australia’s most anticipated seasonal treats.
Whether you’re heading straight to the orchards for the freshest picks or grabbing a punnet from your local supermarket, Adelaide Hills cherries will be ready to shine at Christmas celebrations across the state. With a longer season ahead and a strong crop still on the way, growers and cherry lovers have plenty to smile about.
