In recent years, cherries have gained popularity among food enthusiasts in Vietnam for their delicious taste and abundant health benefits. However, as these fruits are primarily imported, they come with a hefty price tag. At supermarkets and imported fruit stores in Vietnam, cherries can cost anywhere from VND 500,000 to over VND 1,000,000 per kilogram, depending on the time of purchase, size, and origin.
Considered a luxury fruit in Vietnam, cherries are surprisingly affordable and abundant in various countries in Europe and America during their peak season, which falls around June and July. During this time, many farms open their doors to visitors, offering a unique cherry-picking experience.
According to Pham Minh Tai (born in 1990), a photographer based in Toronto, Canada, the end of June and early July witness a surge of Vietnamese tourists in Canada, often coinciding with graduation ceremonies and vacations. The vibrant and luscious cherry orchards become a popular attraction for these visitors.
“My primary occupation is photography. However, when I’m not capturing weddings or events, I enjoy exploring and sharing my experiences and insights about life in Canada. Occasionally, I also guide Vietnamese tourists on their journeys,” shared Tai.
Tai often recommends the Niagara Falls area, located about an hour and a half drive from Toronto, which boasts numerous cherry farms. Visitors can combine their cherry-picking experience with a visit to the majestic Niagara Falls, straddling the border between the United States and Canada and renowned as one of the most impressive waterfalls worldwide.
The summer months offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The first half of July is considered the peak of the cherry season, with entrance fees to the orchards ranging from USD 11 to 15 (VND 280,000 to 380,000) per person.
The cherry trees stand tall and straight, laden with vibrant red fruits. Visitors are free to wander through the rows of trees, capturing memorable photos and indulging in the ultimate cherry-picking experience. “I always advise my guests to taste cherries from different trees to find the ones that suit their taste preferences. Each person is provided with a basket, which they can fill with their hand-picked cherries,” Tai explained.
Many visitors relish the opportunity to spread out their blankets and enjoy a picnic amidst the cherry trees, soaking in the beauty of the farm.
Cherry trees are tall, providing ample shade, and can grow up to 10 meters in height, with an average range of 3 to 7 meters. Cherries come in two varieties: sweet and sour. The sweet ones can be enjoyed straight from the tree, while the sour ones are perfect for cooking and baking.
According to Tai, the cherries found on these farms may not be as large or sweet as those in supermarkets, but they are incredibly fresh and visually appealing. “Cherry picking is a unique and enjoyable experience that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Canada,” he added.
Photos: Pham Minh Tai.
