Cherry Varieties

Harvest: Late December Rainiers are the show-stoppers. Their golden-yellow skin with a soft red blush makes them as beautiful as they are delicious. This premium variety has a short harvest window, delicate skin, and a sweet, juicy flavour with subtle floral and tropical notes. Best enjoyed fresh as a snack or in fruit salads. Because they're more delicate than dark cherries, we don't recommend shipping them to rural addresses.

Harvest: Late December – Early January Lapin cherries are known for their deep red colour, large size, and crisp, juicy bite. Grown in Central Otago, our trees produce some of the biggest, sweetest cherries around, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. They're delicious fresh, pair beautifully with cheese or chocolate, and are also great for jams, chutneys, and liqueurs. They're the kind of cherry that makes you stop mid-bite and think, that's a good cherry.

Harvest: Early – Mid January Kootenay cherries are similar to Lapins but ripen a little later, giving them an even firmer bite and a rich, deep burgundy colour. Large, crisp, and full of flavour, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and intensity. They're delicious fresh and also ideal for baking, smoothies, and cherry-infused cocktails.

Harvest: Mid January Sweetheart cherries are big, bright, and packed with sweetness. Their distinctive heart shape, vibrant red colour, and firm, juicy bite make them perfect for eating fresh by the handful. They also keep well after picking and are great in fruit salads, baking, or adding a burst of flavour to summer desserts.

Harvest: Late January Sentennial cherries are the last to ripen each season, giving them extra time on the tree to develop a rich, concentrated sweetness. With their ruby-red colour, firm texture, and juicy bite, they're a favourite for premium cherry lovers. We work closely with 45 South to grow exceptional Sentennials that are perfect fresh and a delicious way to finish the cherry season.