Pick of the Week - Tassie Cherries
January is when Australian cherries are at their best. It is the time when Tasmania comes into its own having the best cherries in the world. There are still some very good mainland cherries available but to me, the juiciest, ripest, most delicious fruit comes from Tasmania. The problem down in Tassie is if they get rain. At this stage, the growing areas are getting the odd shower but no serious rain, so that’s good. This next few weeks is the time to buy a 2kg box of this world's best fruit. They are not cheap and probably never will be as China is now scouring the island and paying huge prices for the largest fruit. The other thing that the Tasmanians have going for them is that their island is fruit fly free so they have access to most markets in the world. Our mainland orchards don’t enjoy this huge advantage. The bigger the fruit the dearer the price. I have to say that the slightly smaller fruit though less attractive to the eye is just as good to eat as the lager far more expensive product.
Cherries are 1-3 cm in diameter, roundJanuary is when Australian cherries are at their best. It is the time when Tasmania comes into its own having the best cherries in the world. There are still some very good mainland cherries available but to me, the juiciest, ripest, most delicious fruit comes from Tasmania. The problem down in Tassie is if they get rain. At this stage, the growing areas are getting the odd shower but no serious rain, so that’s good. This next few weeks is the time to buy a 2kg box of this world's best fruit. They are not cheap and probably never will be as China is now scouring the island and paying huge prices for the largest fruit. The other thing that the Tasmanians have going for them is that their island is fruit fly free so they have access to most markets in the world. Our mainland orchards don’t enjoy this huge advantage. The bigger the fruit the dearer the price. I have to say that the slightly smaller fruit though less attractive to the eye is just as good to eat as the lager far more expensive product.
Cherries are 1-3 cm in diameter, round to heart-shaped, with a hollow at the stalk end. Their stalks are 2-7 cm long and are left attached after harvesting. Their skin is usually smooth, glossy, red to deep red or black in colour, and have red to crimson, soft, moist, sweet flesh. In the centre lies a fat, oval seed but the best part is the sweet, juicy flesh.
Cherries are bursting with flavour, vitamin C and antioxidants. Grab yourself a sweet and healthy treat, perfect for a hot summers day.
HOW TO PICK
Cherries are picked from the tree, but do not continue to ripen afterwards. Make sure you choose plump glossy cherries with relatively smooth, unblemished skin and bright green stems in good condition.
HOW TO STORE
Keeping the fruit cool and dry is the secret to preserving its freshness, quality and shelf life. Store in the fridge, between 0-4 degrees, in a snap-lock bag or air-tight container.Only rinse cherries when ready to eat them, as they can absorb water and soften.
