When it comes to cherries, it’s not easy to stay loyal to homegrown fruit. Spanish cherries are abundant, eating beautifully and well priced. British product lags behind and volumes are way down in contrast to the glory days – although demand is bouncing back.

Key Facts

Spanish cherries are often grown in the region of Tarragona in Spain. The season runs until July, by which time British cherries will also be available for their short season. Fortunately. the fortunes of British cherry growers are on the up after decades of decline. For many years, they were not a profitable crop. The older varieties of tree were large, which made harvesting – and therefore labour costs – expensive and time consuming. As a result, growers struggled to compete with foreign competition.

Now, however, demand is increasing and many hectares have been replanted with smaller, modern varieties of cherry tree on dwarf rootstock which are easier to manage. These are often grown in plastic tunnels to protect the crop and create an improved microclimate for quality fruit. Nevertheless, British production still accounts for less than 10% of total demand.

Cherries

Uses in the Kitchen

Cherries liven up any menu. Desserts include baking into pies, brownies and clafoutis. The  most famous dish, of course, is the Black Forest Gateaux.  Classic savoury pairings include duck.

cherries

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