Cherry Picking / Packing
Sweet Cherry – A Sweet Way To Earn Money While Backpacking in Australia
The sweet cherry from Australia is originally from the Caspian-Black Sea region. Australia produces 9,500 tons in a year. There are at least six regions in Australia that produces sweet cherry. One of the major region is in New South Wales, specifically Hillston, Mudgee, Wellington, Tumut and Batlow. In Victoria, cherries are being grown in North East Victoria, Goulburn Valley, Upper Goulburn, Strathbogie, and some areas in Southern Victoria.
Cherries are also being produced in South Australia especially in regions of Mount Lofty Ranges also called “Adelaide Hills,” Riverland region, and in the South East. Cherries are also being produced in Tasmania. Western Australia is the main region producing cherries in Australia from Donnybrook to Pemberton.
Another main area that produces cherries in Australia is in Queensland – Granite Belt around Stanthorpe.
There are two varieties – Bigarreau and Guigne. Bigarreau are firm while Guigne are soft and more tender. Bigarreau variety is the only one that can survive handling and transport.
Cherries are grown during the months of September and October and fruits vary in shape and in color. Some can be oval while others can be heart-shaped and color varies from mahogany to pink with red skin blush.
Just like with any other fruit, harvesting cherries requires great care to make sure that the fruits will reach consumers in its best condition. Cherries are hand-picked during harvest. Harvest season last for only 100 days and this starts during the months of October through February. Majority of the sweet cherries are harvested between the months of December and January.
It is important to note that the harvest season in Tasmania lasts only for eight weeks. Although Tasmania is one of the largest producers of cherry in Australia, it has one of the shortest harvest seasons.
Harvesting cherries requires long work hours so you better prepare. You will sometime need to use ladder to reach fruits and should never try climbing on your own to avoid accidents. Remember to use proper techniques in harvesting. Hold the stalk of the cherry in between your thumb and the index finger and then twist it. Ask your Supervisor or cherry-expert friends for techniques and hints on effectively harvesting cherries.
Before harvesting, you need to prepare the following: dependable, non-slipped footwear and clothes that can protect you from the heat of the sun. Keep yourself cool and avoid dehydration. Drink lots of fluid.
Do not get frustrated when you don’t do it right the first time. There’s a learning curve for everyone new to fruit picking. It may that as though you are not getting enough for the job but remember that you are learning a new skill and just like with any skill, it will definitely paid off in the end.
Some plantation pays by the hour – anywhere between $15-$20 per hour while other farms pay by the lug, which is usually 7-8 kg and they typically pay $7-10 per lug. In any case, perfecting the art of picking cherries is necessary so that you can earn more.
