History and Modern Cultivation of Cherries

in the SmaczneOwoce.pl Orchard – A History Full of Flavour

The history of cherries dates back to ancient times. According to historical accounts, Lucullus, one of the commanders of the army of ancient Rome, brought a cherry tree to Rome from one of his campaigns in the first half of the 1st century BCE. This event sparked a growing interest in the cultivation of this plant. Over the centuries, many new cherry varieties have been bred and are still being improved today in order to obtain better traits, both in terms of production and eating quality.

Cherries belong to the group of stone fruits and show great diversity in flavour, size, colour and flesh texture. Today, around 1,000 varieties are known, which are divided into two main groups: soft-fleshed “heart” cherries and firm-fleshed “bigarreau” cherries. The former are characterised by soft, juicy flesh, while the latter stand out for their firmer, denser structure and greater resistance to transport. The fruit can range in colour from yellow through various shades of red to an intense dark red, which is considered the most desirable by consumers.

The first cherries ripen in May and are known as “May cherries”. The fruit of these early varieties is usually smaller and less intense in flavour compared to the later summer varieties.

Cherries are made up of around 80% water, yet their nutritional value is much greater. They are a rich source of fibre, carbohydrates, niacin, flavonoids and antioxidants, which have a positive effect on the body by neutralising free radicals, slowing down ageing processes and having an alkalising effect. These fruits also contain high amounts of vitamins C and A, as well as B-group vitamins. Thanks to their low calorie content and exceptional flavour, cherries are considered one of the most valuable fruits in the diet.

Cherries at the SmaczneOwoce.pl Farm

Cherry cultivation on our farm began in the 1990s. From the very beginning, our priority has been to search for new, competitive varieties that meet the expectations of the most demanding customers. Many years of experience have allowed us to specialise in producing fruit of the highest quality. Today, our cherry orchards cover around 3 hectares and are among the most modern and innovative in the country.

The entire plantation is protected by the “Futura Plus” system from Frustar, which shields the trees from adverse weather conditions such as rain, hail, strong winds and excessive sunlight. In addition, we use a modern under-canopy sprinkler system that ensures an optimal water balance throughout the entire growing season.

Our planting material was sourced from the Netherlands, and the trees are grafted onto the dwarf rootstock Gisela 5. The right choice of rootstocks and their health are key factors influencing crop quality. The innovative solutions we have introduced allow us to continuously raise our growing standards and supply fruit of the highest quality.

Thanks to the care we take at every stage of production, our plantation stands out both on the domestic and international markets. The main varieties grown on our farm are Vanda, Kordia and Regina – prized for their excellent flavour, attractive appearance and long shelf life.