Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
BY DEBRA J. MORRIS
We’re jumping for joy this year because farmers are telling us that California’s sweet cherries are arriving right on schedule! Last year they had to be harvested two to three weeks late because of the heavy rain and wind we received. The rain and wind came – and continued – at a time when the cherry blossoms were just setting their fruit and they were unceremoniously knocked off the trees! The yield was less and the season was shorter than usual.
This year, farmers tell is they are looking forward to a good yield, sweeter cherries, and an abundance of fruit through the growing and harvesting season, about two to three months. This winter brought the perfect number of chill hours (Cherry trees need a number of cold hours between 32°F and 45°F for fruit tree or nut tree flowering and fruit production each year). They say there’s been plenty of rain and sun mix, dry days interspersed with wet, to allow for the trees to produce loads of fruit.
Missy Gotelli of Gotelli Farms says the crop looks to arrive the first week in May, right on time. The trees look good and heavy with blossoms and fruit. She says, “Can’t wait for cherry season! It’s like our annual reunion at the farmers markets – catching up with familiar faces, sharing stories, and of course, seeing everyone’s face light up when they see Gotelli Farms Cherries!”
Another cherry grower, Guy Allard of Allard Farms, is looking forward to beginning harvest at the end of April. “The crop looks good, decent yield, and larger fruit.” He says ground water is better, giving tree roots a chance to grow deeper. His farm in Westley in the Central Valley is about 100 acres. Since 1909 they’ve been farming a variety of fruit and nut crops. His Champagne, Brooks, and Coral varieties should arrive at the markets first.
Harvesting a good crop of cherries depends on many factors, from good soil and good care to rain and sunshine. This year looks to be a good one, thanks to Mother Nature’s cooperation. Cherry farmers are ready for another season with the best fruit they can grow. Stop by your farmers’ market this May and June and enjoy some of California’s best sweet cherries.
You’ll find cherries at the Martinez Farmers’ Market from J&J Ramos from Hughson and Resendiz Farms in Hughson.
Cherry Arugula Salad
• 1/3 pound fresh cherries, pitted
• 1/2 pound baby or wild arugula
• 2 ounces of feta, crumbled
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped and toasted
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Flaky coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Toast pecans in a dry pan for 5 minutes. Cut the cherries in half lengthwise and place them in a large serving bowl. Add the arugula, cheese, and pecans. Drizzle with the oil and vinegar, add a few generous pinches of salt over the top, and season with pepper. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
The Martinez Farmers Market is located at 700 Main St, Martinez, CA 94553 and open on Sunday’s from 9AM – 1PM.
