not far from the tree

Most of the cherries were perfectly ripe, and healthier than many trees we’ve picked from so far. The flies were just discovering them as we arrived so we came just in time. As we picked, we attracted a fair amount of attention. Urban fruit picking often turns into a performance. Neighbours are keen to offer their advice, curious passers-by lend a playful glance, and many ask questions: “Are those safe to eat?” I offered a handful to two boys on their bicycles, warning them that these were sour cherries. They lapped them up and asked for more.

The fruit tree owner planned to bake two pies with her harvest: one for herself and one for her neighbour from whom she borrowed a ladder. I took the rest home to prepare for freezing since I was heading out of town the next day. That way, the cherries will be ready for baking by the time I can deliver them to one of our partner food programs. I’m just learning about preserving techniques, so I’m very excited to have accomplished this first small step of pitting and freezing sour cherries.