How to Harvest Evans Cherries: A Comprehensive Guide

Evans cherries, known for their distinctive tart flavor and juicy texture, are a prized fruit among cherry enthusiasts. Proper harvesting techniques are crucial to ensure maximum fruit quality and preserve the cherries’ unique characteristics. This article provides a comprehensive guide to harvesting Evans cherries, covering essential aspects such as understanding the fruit, determining the optimal harvest time, selecting the appropriate tools and equipment, preparing the trees for harvest, employing effective harvesting techniques, and handling and storing the cherries properly.

Understanding Evans Cherries

Evans cherries are a variety of sour cherries developed in Alberta, Canada. They are characterized by their bright red color, small size, and intense flavor. Evans cherries thrive in cool climates and well-drained soils, making them suitable for cultivation in many regions.

When to Harvest Evans Cherries

The optimal time for harvesting Evans cherries is typically in late summer, usually from mid-July to early August in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the exact timing may vary depending on the specific climate and weather conditions. Monitoring the fruit’s color, firmness, and sugar content is essential to determine the ideal harvest window. Cherries should be harvested when they have reached full color, are firm to the touch, and have developed a sweet-tart flavor balance.

Tools and Equipment

To ensure a successful harvest, it is important to have the necessary tools and equipment. These include ladders or picking poles to reach higher branches, harvesting buckets or baskets for collecting the cherries, and pruning shears or loppers for removing damaged or diseased fruit.

Preparing for Harvest

Before harvesting, it is essential to inspect the cherry trees thoroughly. Remove any damaged or diseased fruit, as they can attract pests and affect the quality of the healthy cherries. Additionally, pruning or thinning the tree canopy may be necessary to improve air circulation and facilitate easier harvesting.

Harvesting Techniques

Evans cherries can be harvested by hand or using harvesting tools. Handpicking is the preferred method, as it allows for selective picking of ripe cherries while minimizing damage to the fruit and the tree. To handpick, gently grasp the cherry stem and twist it to detach the fruit from the tree. Alternatively, harvesting tools such as cherry pickers or fruit ladders can be used to reach higher branches.

Handling and Storing Cherries

Proper handling and storage are crucial to maintain the quality and freshness of Evans cherries. Handle the cherries gently to avoid bruising, and sort them to remove any damaged or unripe fruit. Store the cherries in a cool, dry place, ideally in a refrigerator, to prolong their shelf life.

Additional Tips and Considerations

To ensure a successful cherry harvest, consider the following additional tips:

• Protect the cherries from birds and other pests by using netting or scare tactics.
• Harvest cherries in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize fruit damage and preserve flavor.
• Avoid harvesting cherries after heavy rain, as this can cause the fruit to split.
• Consider processing excess cherries into jams, jellies, or other preserves to enjoy their flavor throughout the year.

Conclusion

By following the guidelines outlined in this article, cherry growers can ensure a successful Evans cherry harvest. Understanding the fruit’s characteristics, monitoring the optimal harvest time, using appropriate tools and techniques, and handling and storing the cherries properly are essential steps to preserving the fruit’s quality and enjoying its unique flavor. With careful attention to detail and a passion for cherry cultivation, growers can reap the rewards of a bountiful and flavorful Evans cherry harvest.

Sources:

• https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/cherry/cherry-tree-harvesting.htm
• https://www.kitchenfrau.com/how-to-pit-evans-cherries/
• http://www.kevinkossowan.com/evans-cherries/

FAQs

When is the best time to harvest Evans cherries?

The optimal time to harvest Evans cherries is typically in late summer, usually from mid-July to early August in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the exact timing may vary depending on the specific climate and weather conditions. Monitor the fruit’s color, firmness, and sugar content to determine the ideal harvest window. Cherries should be harvested when they have reached full color, are firm to the touch, and have developed a sweet-tart flavor balance.

What tools and equipment do I need to harvest Evans cherries?

To ensure a successful harvest, it is important to have the necessary tools and equipment. These include ladders or picking poles to reach higher branches, harvesting buckets or baskets for collecting the cherries, and pruning shears or loppers for removing damaged or diseased fruit.

How do I prepare my cherry trees for harvest?

Before harvesting, it is essential to inspect the cherry trees thoroughly. Remove any damaged or diseased fruit, as they can attract pests and affect the quality of the healthy cherries. Additionally, pruning or thinning the tree canopy may be necessary to improve air circulation and facilitate easier harvesting.

What are the best techniques for harvesting Evans cherries?

Evans cherries can be harvested by hand or using harvesting tools. Handpicking is the preferred method, as it allows for selective picking of ripe cherries while minimizing damage to the fruit and the tree. To handpick, gently grasp the cherry stem and twist it to detach the fruit from the tree. Alternatively, harvesting tools such as cherry pickers or fruit ladders can be used to reach higher branches.

How should I handle and store Evans cherries after harvesting?

Proper handling and storage are crucial to maintain the quality and freshness of Evans cherries. Handle the cherries gently to avoid bruising, and sort them to remove any damaged or unripe fruit. Store the cherries in a cool, dry place, ideally in a refrigerator, to prolong their shelf life.

What are some additional tips for a successful Evans cherry harvest?

To ensure a successful cherry harvest, consider the following additional tips:

• Protect the cherries from birds and other pests by using netting or scare tactics.
• Harvest cherries in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize fruit damage and preserve flavor.
• Avoid harvesting cherries after heavy rain, as this can cause the fruit to split.
• Consider processing excess cherries into jams, jellies, or other preserves to enjoy their flavor throughout the year.