All sweet for berry season

IT is the time of the year many Tasmanians have been waiting for, when fresh locally grown raspberries and blackberries start hitting the shelves. 

The Tasmanian raspberry and blackberry season is ramping up and consumers are being encouraged to keep an eye out for sweet raspberries and juicy blackberries on their next visit to the local store. 

Tasmania is the biggest producer of raspberries and blackberries in Australia, with total production of more than 5000 tonnes across the season – or around 20 trillion berries. 

Tasmania’s climate is perfect for growing raspberries and blackberries, with the cooler season producing deliciously sweet, large fruit. 

This year’s harvest season started slightly later than last year due to a cool spring period but there looks to be a bumper crop coming through now. 

Andrew Griggs runs Lucaston Park Orchards in the heart of the Huon Valley. 

He said Tasmania’s cool climate produced some of the best- tasting raspberries which developed flavour through the long growing season. 

“Berries are handpicked and transported directly to market, so you know you are getting the freshest fruit possible,” he said. 

Tasmanian raspberries and blackberries are available from November to May, with the loacal harvest season complementing production in NSW and Queensland. 

This nationwide distribution allows year-round availability of fruit for customers. Fruit Growers Tasmania chief executive officer Peter Cornish said Tasmania was known for top-quality raspberries and blackberries. 

“We have some of the best growing conditions anywhere in the world which allows us to supply over half of Australia’s fresh raspberry and blackberry production,” he said. 

Each season Tasmania’s fruit industry employs over 10,000 people and produces over $325 million worth of fruit. 

“Keep a look out for fresh new season’s berries in super markets, independent retailers and farmers markets or visit your local pick-your-own farm,” Mr Cornish said. 

Mr Cornish said Tasmanian strawberries were already on shelves and consumers could expect local blueberries and cherries to be available over the coming weeks. 

“You just can’t beat a Tassie summer for the best tasting fresh local produce,” he said.