Skeena cherry

Skeena cherry is a variety of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) known for its large, dark red to almost black fruit, and sweet, rich flavor. Developed in Canada, the Skeena cherry is a popular choice among both commercial growers and home gardeners for its taste, size, and resistance to cracking. This variety ripens in mid to late season, providing a harvest period that extends the availability of fresh cherries in the market.

History

The Skeena cherry was developed by the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Summerland Research and Development Centre in British Columbia, Canada. It is the result of a breeding program aimed at creating cherry varieties that could withstand the challenges of the Canadian climate while still producing high-quality fruit. The variety was officially released to the market in the late 20th century, quickly gaining popularity among growers for its robustness and among consumers for its exceptional taste.

Characteristics

Skeena cherries are notable for their large size and deep, dark red color, which can appear almost black when fully ripe. The flesh of the Skeena cherry is firm, juicy, and sweet, with a rich flavor that makes it a favorite for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. One of the key advantages of the Skeena cherry is its resistance to cracking, a common problem in cherries caused by rain near harvest time. This characteristic makes it a more reliable choice for growers in regions prone to wet weather during the cherry season.

Cultivation

Skeena cherries thrive in temperate climates with well-drained, fertile soil. Like all cherry varieties, they require a certain amount of cold weather during the winter to produce fruit in the spring and summer. The trees are moderately vigorous and can be trained into various forms, although open center or vase shapes are most common to facilitate sunlight penetration and air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.

Pollination is a critical factor in the cultivation of Skeena cherries, as they are not self-fertile and require a compatible variety for cross-pollination. Growers must plant them alongside other cherry varieties that flower at the same time to ensure a good crop.

Harvest and Use

The harvest season for Skeena cherries typically occurs in mid to late summer, depending on the local climate and weather conditions. The cherries must be picked by hand to avoid damaging the fruit and are often harvested multiple times over a few weeks, as not all cherries on a tree will ripen simultaneously.

Due to their sweet flavor and firm texture, Skeena cherries are versatile in their use. They are excellent for fresh eating and are also highly valued for use in culinary applications, including pies, jams, and other desserts. Additionally, their attractive appearance makes them a popular choice for decorative purposes in food presentation.

Conclusion

The Skeena cherry is a testament to the success of modern fruit breeding programs in producing varieties that meet the needs of both growers and consumers. Its combination of flavor, size, and resilience makes it a standout choice among cherry varieties. As its popularity continues to grow, the Skeena cherry is set to remain a favorite for years to come.