The Light Lens: Free-range artisan organic cherries

by T. Touris –

My wife and I have perfected a growing technique that yields the world’s best sweet cherries.

Through a process of strategic neglect, we ensure that only the best cherries emerge at the end of the growing cycle. Starting in the late fall of the previous year, the trees are carefully ignored and left un-pruned; when spring arrives, and the tender buds and early blossoms are susceptible to frost, we make certain only the strongest survive by leaving the trees completely unprotected. As summer finally rolls in, a symbiotic symphony of woodland animals and insects participate in the further winnowing of sub-standard fruit. By July, what is left is a select crop of fruit fit for a king.

As you can imagine, this careful process results in only a very small, premium yield. For example, this year’s harvest brought in two cherries. Of course at this early stage we selfishly are keeping the spoils for ourselves. In future years, we intend to offer surplus cherries at select farm markets at a price of $200 per ounce, really quite a bargain if you think about it. Stay tuned.