California Bing cherry growers are predicting an excellent crop in both quality and quantity this year, with the first large, dark red cherries set to arrive in the UK by late May.
All seemed to be going to plan until rain last weekend, with picking of early Californian cherries scheduled to begin this week. The first Bing cherries will be available around May 18.
Jim Culbertson, executive manager of the California Cherry Advisory Board (CCAB) said all signs point to a good crop. “Ideal chill hours this winter, favourable bloom, and a solid fruit set indicate that available volumes should return to normal this year. California is primed and ready to supply cherries in a robust way. Start to finish supplies should be good and it will be a good year to promote California cherries,” he confirmed.
“Some rain did fall over the weekend and knocked out some of the early cherries, but this is not a concern for the Bing crop. Temperatures are heating up and that will likely speed up harvest.”
