Cherry season is a massive time in Young and the subsequent cherries that end up on store shelves normally get cleared out within days of entering the store, but an increase in price could be on the horizon as storm damage has depleted cherry supplies.
Both Victoria and New South Wales have felt a blow from the heavy rainfall of more than 150 millimetres in the past few weeks with local growers saying they have chucked at least a third of their stock due to it.
When exposed to rain for prolonged periods, cherries burst open, stunting their growth and causing cosmetic damage. The splits also make it easy for the cherry to grow mould.
Cherries that are ripe when the skin burst are quickly picked and sold as second-grade fruit, while unripened and mouldy cherries are simply thrown out. Cherries are reportedly exploding because of the water.
It’s not unusual for farmers to be faced with storms at this time of the year, but the high humidity and the quick and destructive nature of this years’ rainfall played a role.
Expect higher prices due to this, but some Aussies are hoping the news is more positive and their cherries can once again arrive on the Christmas table for their usual price.
-Jack Murray