Cherries in the Adelaide Hills

by Steve Hudson (subscribe)

It is time to rejoice - the cherries have arrived in the Adelaide Hills. And with perfect winter and spring weather, cherry lovers are in for a spectacular season as the crops ripen and find their way to the shed door.



Eat fresh and buy local is the catchcry of all fresh food producers in the Adelaide Hills, and Cherries SA is also onboard with this theme. To help us all experience the pleasure of sampling and buying cherries from the shed doors, Cherries SA, representing the Cherry Growers Association of South Australia, have produced the 9th edition of their popular Cherry Map, the essential cherry lover's guide.



Cherry farms are scattered throughout the Adelaide Hills, primarily in the areas that experience cool winter days, the perfect breeding conditions for cherries. The four main cherry growing areas are :


There are also a couple of cherry farms near Hahndorf, Echunga and Willunga.



Of the 26 Cherry farms listed in the Cherry Map, 16 of them have shed door sales from November to January, 5 of them allow you to "pick your own" cherries, while 5 of them have both activities covered. Marble Hill Cherries, located at Ashton, is open December and January, and is the closest "pick your own" cherry farm to the City.

Most of the cherry farms that have shed door sales also sell other cherry or fruit related products in addition to fresh cherries, so be sure to pop in for some last minute gift ideas or even just an cherry pie or crumble for dessert tonight.



Montacute Valley Orchards

Located on Institute Road at Montacute, this shed door is open from November to March. The first part of summer features cherries, strawberries, fruit ice cream and cherry pies, while later in summer the other stone fruits (peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums) become available. Montacute Valley Orchards is open from 9am to 6pm 7 days a week.

With a range of "early sweet" cherries available until mid-November, followed by the more regular merchant and Christmas cherries, this Orchard will be very popular during the season.




Torrens Valley Orchards

Torrens Valley Orchards is open from 7am to 6pm 7 days a week from November to January. In addition to cherries, pies and jams, weekday visitors to this Orchard can see South Australia's largest cherry growing and packing operation in action getting cherries ready for export, local distribution and shed sales.




Kenton Valley Cherries

At Kenton Valley Cherries, the Cherry Shed Café is open from 9am to 5pm 7 days a week during December and January, while being open on Friday, Saturday and Sundays during October, November and February. The café serves a bunch of delicious treats including :




As cherries are a delicate fruit that requires handpicking, they may not also be available every day to inclement or extreme weather conditions, or the fast/slow ripening of the fruit. To avoid disappointment, it is recommended to call ahead to the grower, or to check their individual website for product stocks and opening times.

Further general details are available from the Cherries SA Website or their facebook page.

Little known fact : There are no cherry farms at either Cherryville or Cherry Gardens.

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Why? They are so good for you

When: November - January

Website: www.cherriessa.com.au

Where: Adelaide Hills

Cost: Free to visit

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