We’re nearing the end of July, which can mean only one thing… the nanking cherries have arrived! These delicious berries are often overlooked, but are excellent urban fruit for jellies, juice, syrups, and more. If you were following Getty’s advice this spring, you will have taken note of all the trees with the cute pink blossoms (https://www.fruitshare.ca/2012/04/sakura-cherry-blossom/), go back to those spots now and you’ll likely find oodles of 1/2 inch berries.
If you’ve never picked nanking cherries before, you’re in for a treat. They are edible straight off the tree (watch out for the pit!) and quick to pick (because the branches are often loaded). My harvest this year was mixed with vodka and sugar, in the hopes that it will become a delicious cherry liqueur by christmas time!
Happy nanking picking!