Our Cherries
Grown in Central Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand, our harvest season lasts from mid December through to early February. Central Otago is renowned as the top region for cherry growing due to it’s unique climate and geography.
From harvest to packing, we aim to deliver our fruit to market within 48 hours. This fast supply-chain helps us to ensure we are delivering only the freshest fruit to our customers.
Availability
Our growing season runs from mid December to early February. This table shows the availability of each cherry variety throughout the growing season.
Varieties
Harvest time: Late December
Appearance: Santina cherries are large, dark, and glossy with a deep red to almost black skin when fully ripe.
Flavour: They have a sweet, mild flavour that is well-balanced, making them one of the more desirable early-season cherries.
Texture: The flesh of the Santina cherry is firm yet juicy, providing a satisfying bite with a good level of crispness.
Santina
Harvest time: Early - Mid January
Appearance: Lapins cherries are large with a bright to medium red colour. Their vibrant hue and glossy skin make them visually appealing.
Flavour: They are sweet, with a rich, well-balanced taste that makes them highly desirable.
Texture: These cherries have a firm texture, offering a satisfying bite. The flesh is juicy and retains its firmness well, even after picking.
Lapins
Harvest time: Early - Late January
Appearance: Kordia cherries are known for their very dark, almost black colour and distinctive heart-shaped form. Their deep, glossy skin adds to their visual appeal.
Flavour: They have an extremely sweet taste with a slightly tangy undertone, making them a favourite among those who prefer a rich intense cherry flavour.
Texture: The flesh is firm and provides a strong crunch, which is a characteristic feature of this variety. The firmness also helps them stay fresh for longer periods.
Kordia
Harvest time: Mid - Late January
Appearance: Kootenay cherries are a slightly larger size and a darker red skin. The skin is glossy and deep red, giving them a rich, appealing look.
Flavour: They offer a robust, sweet flavour that is well-rounded, with a hint of tartness, making them a favourite among cherry enthusiasts.
Texture: A firm, crisp flesh that provides a satisfying crunch, making it perfect for fresh eating after harvest.
Kootenay
Harvest time: Mid - Late January
Appearance: Sweetheart cherries are bright red with a glossy, attractive exterior. Their heart-shaped appearance makes them stand out among other varieties.
Flavour: They have a sweet but mild flavour, which is well-balanced and appealing to a wide range of tastebuds.
Texture: The flesh is very firm, offering a strong crunch with each bite. This firmness also helps them maintain their quality long after harvest.
Sweetheart
Harvest time: Late January - Mid February
Appearance: Staccato cherries are large with a dark red to almost black skin. Their size and deep colour make them particularly striking and appealing.
Flavour: They’re known for their sweet rich, flavour. They have a well-balanced taste with a slight hint of tartness, making them one of the most flavourful late-season cherries.
Texture: The flesh is very firm and juicy, offering a satisfying crunch. This firmness helps maintain their quality, even in the later part of the season.