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Cromwell Cherries
New Zealand's most famous cherry growing region. Known for growing exceptional cherries exported all over the world.
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Why we chose Cromwell?
Cromwell is a beautiful town in Central Otago, New Zealand, famous for its delicious cherries. These cherries are known around the world for their amazing taste. But what makes Cromwell cherries so special? Let's explore the history and how they are grown.
Just a short drive from Wanaka and Queenstown, Cromwell provided an excellent lifestyle for us, enjoying the remoteness of the country with the perks of living close to two iconic New Zealand towns.
The History of Cherries
Cherries have been grown in Cromwell since the late 1800s. European settlers noticed that the climate in Cromwell was perfect for growing cherries. Over the years, farmers in Cromwell improved their farming techniques, and by the 1950s, Cromwell became well-known for its high-quality cherries.
Cromwell's cherry industry pulls in large amounts of tourists to the town every summer, with pick your own orchards welcoming people to pick their own cherries. We have chosen to open our doors out of season to let people take a farm tours and see the electrification process instead.
Cromwell's climate is unique and is the reason we can produce tasty cherries. The region has hot days and cold nights, which makes the cherries sweet and flavourful. The sunny and dry weather also helps keep the cherries healthy and free from diseases. This also makes Cromwell ideally suited for electricity generation from our solar panels.
How Are Cromwell Cherries Grown?
Choosing the Right Varieties: Farmers in Cromwell select cherry varieties that grow well in the local climate. Popular types include Rainier, Sweetheart, and Lapins, and Kootenay each with their own special taste.
Preparing and Monitoring the Soil: Good soil is important for growing healthy cherry trees. We regularly monitor the organic matter in the soil to ensure it is rich and well-draining, which helps the trees grow strong.
Planting and Pruning: Cherry trees are planted in early spring so they can grow roots before the hot summer. Farmers prune the trees to make sure they get enough sunlight and air, which helps the cherries ripen evenly. The rise of tree training systems such as Upright Fruiting Offshoot helps other growers including us to maximise the productivity of the orchard while minimising the inputs. This is the backbone of an efficient and successful orchard.
Watering and Feeding: In Cromwell's dry climate, efficient watering systems are important. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the tree roots, saving water and helping the trees grow well. Farmers also fertilise the trees to give them the nutrients they need. Soils are monitored by sensors and some irrigation systems are automated to prevent overwatering, and maximising the amount of water available to the trees during the hot summer months. We recognise that water is a precious resource so we make every drop count!
Pest and Disease Control: Farmers use natural methods to keep pests and diseases away from the cherry trees. They monitor the orchards regularly and use natural predators and, if needed, small amounts of pesticides. But biological controls are always preferred! Given the very short shelf life (a few weeks) and one growing season per year, the cost of getting your nutrition, pest control or irrigation wrong is significant.
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When do we harvest our Cherries?
Cherries are usually harvested in Cromwell from late December to January. We handpick all our fruit to ensure only the ripest cherries are chosen. After harvesting, the cherries are quickly cooled to keep them fresh and then carefully packed to avoid bruising. This careful handling ensures that your cherries from forest lodge orchard are at their best when they reach you.
We offer people the option to adopt a tree for their family, this lets you follow along with the growth of your chosen tree and then we will send you the fruit from that chosen tree.
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UFO Growing at Forest Lodge Orchard
UFO (Upright Fruiting Offshoot) growing method is just one example of our innovative approach to how we grow cherries.
This advanced growing technique optimises space, light exposure, and airflow, resulting in healthier cherry trees and higher fruit yields. The UFO system supports trees in a way that promotes even fruit distribution along upright branches, making the cherries easier to pick and ensuring consistent quality.
It essentially creates a wall of cherries meaning we can reduce labour, improves harvest efficiency, and maximises the deliciousness of our Electric Cherries. By integrating cutting-edge growing practices, we ensure that every cherry at Forest Lodge Orchard meets the highest standards of freshness and flavour.
What different cherries do we grow?
Lapin
Lapin cherries are prized for their deep, dark red colour and large size. They are known for their exceptionally crisp texture, juicy bite, and rich, well-balanced sweetness with a hint of acidity, making them a standout favourite among cherry lovers. The Lapin variety thrives in Central Otago, and we find our trees produce some of the largest cherries available. These cherries are perfect for fresh eating, desserts, and even gourmet pairings with cheeses or chocolate. Their firm texture also makes them ideal for preserving, whether in jams, chutneys, or liqueurs.
Rainier
Rainier cherries are a premium, bi-coloured variety known for their stunning golden-yellow skin with a soft red blush. They are one of the sweetest cherry varieties available, offering a delicate honey-like flavour with subtle floral and tropical fruit notes. Their thin skin and exceptionally juicy texture make them a favourite for fresh eating. Because of their lower acidity and unique sweetness, Rainier cherries are best enjoyed raw, in fruit salads, or as a luxurious snack. They are more fragile than dark cherries and require careful handling, so we recommend not sending these to a rural address.
Kootenay
A natural mutation of the Lapin variety, Kootenay cherries ripen slightly later, extending the season for dark, juicy cherries. They share many characteristics with Lapins but often have an even firmer bite and slightly deeper red skin. With their large size, crisp texture, and balanced sweetness, Kootenay cherries are a great choice for those who love a robust cherry experience. Their deep colour and rich flavour lend well to baking, smoothies, and cherry-infused cocktails.
Sweetheart
Sweetheart cherries stand out with their distinctive heart shape and vibrant, bright red hue. They offer a satisfying crunch with a sweet, slightly tart finish, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a more refreshing cherry taste. As a late-season variety, Sweetheart cherries are often one of the last to be harvested, extending the availability of fresh cherries. Their firm yet juicy texture makes them ideal for fruit salads, garnishes, or simply as a healthy snack. They also hold up well in baking and can add a pop of flavour to summer tarts, pies, and fruit bowls.
Sentennial
As the last variety to ripen in the season, Sentennial cherries benefit from extra time on the tree, allowing them to develop a deeper, more concentrated sweetness. Their ruby-red colour, firm texture, and exceptionally juicy bite make them one of the most flavourful cherries available. Sentennial cherries are perfect for fresh eating but also shine when dried, turned into syrups, or incorporated into gourmet dishes. They are a top choice for premium cherry lovers who want a luxurious, late-season treat.