Cherries in August: Out of Season
August — cherry season approaching but not here yet.
When Are Cherries in Season in Australia?
Australian cherry season runs from November through February, peaking in December and January. The Young region in NSW, the Adelaide Hills in SA, and the Yarra Valley in Victoria produce the country's best cherries. Cherry season is short — the best-quality fruit is typically available for just 6–8 weeks.
Australian Cherry Varieties
- Bing: Deep mahogany-red, very sweet, classic cherry flavour. The benchmark Australian variety. Dec–Jan.
- Sweetheart: Bright red, heart-shaped, sweet and firm. Excellent keeping quality. Nov–Dec.
- Lapin: Very dark, large, intensely sweet. Often the highest quality at market. Dec–Jan.
- Stella: Softer, milder, good for eating fresh. Nov–Dec.
- Regina: Firm, sweet-tart, crack-resistant. Good for those who prefer less sweetness. Dec–Jan.
How to Pick the Sweetest Cherries
- Darkest colour wins: For most varieties (Bing, Lapin), deeper colour = higher sugar. Choose the darkest cherries in the batch.
- Firm, not soft: Press gently — a fresh cherry should feel firm and resist pressure. Soft spots mean bruising.
- Green, flexible stems: Dried, brown or easily detached stems indicate age. Fresh green stems mean recently picked.
- Shiny skin: A glossy surface indicates freshness. Dull or wrinkled skin means dehydration.
Cherry Nutrition
One cup of cherries (154g): 97 calories, 25g carbs, 3.2g fibre, vitamin C, potassium and anthocyanins. Cherries are one of the few food sources of melatonin, which supports sleep quality. Tart cherries in particular have demonstrated anti-inflammatory benefits and are popular among athletes for recovery.
Try These Cherry Recipes
Related Seasonal Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Cherries are in season from November to February in Australia, with peak season in December and January. They are grown primarily in Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales. Cherries are a short-season fruit and are not available fresh outside the summer months.
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