Time is ripe for an abundance of cherries

British cherries have arrived on shelves early this year. Photo: British Cherries/PA Wire.

The total harvest is expected to be worth £20 million, double that of last year, and the fruit is “larger, sweeter and juicier” than farmers have seen in years, industry body British Cherries said.

Conditions have been kind, despite recent showers, with May being the sixth consecutive month of above-average temperatures, according to Met Office statistics.

While orchards are seeing an average drop in temperature from day to night of eight degrees, leading to “firm, flavourful cherries with darker skin”, British Cherries said.

The trade body, which represents more than 70 per cent of growers, said total production was expected to double from last year to 4,000 tonnes.

Over the last decade the industry has invested in high-yielding trees that can be easily picked and covered for protection in the growing season. However the UK still imports around 95 per cent of its cherries, mostly from Spain, Turkey and the US.

Those looking for home-grown varieties can buy ‘Merchant’ cherries, distinguished by their dark red skin and large size, as well as others such as the ‘Penny’, ‘Kordia’ and ‘Sweetheart’ varieties which ripen towards the end of the season.

A British Cherries spokeswoman said: “In total the British cherry harvest is expected to be £20m, up from £10m last year.”