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Cherry time in Stuttgart: Harvest good despite the threat of cherry vinegar fly!
Find out everything about the 2025 cherry harvest in Stuttgart: yields, challenges caused by cherry vinegar flies and storage tips.
Cherry time in Stuttgart: Harvest good despite the threat of cherry vinegar fly!
Cherry season has reached its peak in Germany, especially in Baden-Württemberg. Again SWR reported that this year's harvest will take place under changeable conditions. Despite initial drought, which resulted in smaller fruits, the 2025 cherry harvest is described as good overall. In the Esslingen district, which is considered one of the main growing regions, there was hail damage, but the quality and quantity of the harvest is assessed as positive.
Fruit farmer Uwe Schneider from Walheim in the Ludwigsburg district was rather cautious about his yield and reported a slightly lower high yield this year. Nevertheless, many cherry lovers spend the days from the end of May to July picking and eating the sweet treats.
Threat of the cherry vinegar fly
The cherry vinegar fly (Drosophila suzukii) represents a significant threat to the cherry crop. These insects lay their eggs in ripe and soft-shelled fruits, which can cause significant damage. The Garden Journal provides information about the spread of this fly species in Germany, which was first observed in 2011. Since the females can lay up to 400 eggs, there can be a massive loss in the quantity and quality of the harvest.
To combat cherry vinegar flies, experts recommend biological methods such as homemade traps and protective nets, as chemical insecticides are not recommended for private use. To avoid damage from these pests, it is recommended to harvest ripe cherries directly. Lowering the temperature and other preventative measures against an infestation can be helpful.
Quality and price of cherries
Pricing for cherries currently varies between five and ten euros per kilo, with price differences due to the harvest year and the effort involved. When storing, cherries should be harvested with the stem on and kept in a cool, dry place to ensure they last four to six days. Sweet cherries are ideal for direct consumption and desserts, while sour cherries are often used to make jam and juice.
Not only are cherries delicious, they also offer health benefits. They contain plenty of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Dark cherries in particular are rich in phytochemicals that have an anti-inflammatory effect. Tart cherries are also popular in natural medicine to treat urinary tract infections and gout because they contain melatonin, which can promote sleep.
For cherry lovers, there are numerous opportunities in the Stuttgart region to purchase fresh fruit directly from fruit growers. Cherry trees are also auctioned in Hepsisau, which increases the anticipation of the next harvest in the years to come.