Stone fruit season is upon us! Cherries (and other stone fruit) are known as drupes, and this category includes peaches, plums, cherries, nectarines, apricots, and pluots. We’re fortunate enough to have some of the best stone fruit growers in the state at our farmers markets. Stone fruit season typically begins with cherries and the first varieties have already appeared in Aptos and Monterey.
To be a cherry producer in California, skill is certainly required, but even then Mother Nature has the final say on the season’s success. Fred Minazzoli of Minazzoli Farms, described this year’s cherry season as lighter than he’d like to see. “Yields across the board are down,” he said, a tinge of frustration in his voice. “We’ve seen some irregular weather this year, and the winter freeze was light, and that affects yield in the spring.”
Fred and Joanne have cherries available right now. “We have Burlap cherries. It’s an early pollinator and very flavorful. Coral Champagne is almost ready. It has a floral flavor that’s very nice.” Fred went on to explain that because of the weather, many of the cherries “split” – and when the skin breaks, it’s not legal to sell. When asked if he could offer them as “pie cherries” Fred said he could be “written up” if an ag inspector saw him doing it. “We’ve got cherries and they taste great. We just don’t have a lot of them.”
Phil Foster of Phil Foster Ranches is also disappointed in this year’s crop. “We’ll start bringing cherries to the market starting around June 10th, and we’ll probably run through early July,” he said, wondering out loud why the 2022 crop was so light. “It could be any number of reasons. I don’t know why really.” He’ll be selling Pearl Champagne, Van, Lapin, Sweetheart, and Rainier varieties.
Steve Kashiwasi of Kashiwasi Farms will be bringing Royal Hazel and Bing cherries after May 8th. His yields are also on the light side this season.
So, cherry lovers — get your fill while you can. Local cherry season is about six short weeks and then it’s another long wait!
