Nestled on the picturesque peninsula of northeastern Wisconsin, Door County is renowned for its vibrant cherry orchards. With a unique microclimate and rich agricultural heritage, this region has become synonymous with delicious cherries that captivate both locals and visitors alike.
The Perfect Climate and Soil for Cherries
Door County’s geography and climate create the ideal conditions for cherry cultivation. The peninsula, flanked by Green Bay and Lake Michigan, benefits from a microclimate that offers cool springs and warm summers. This climate slows down the blooming process, reducing the risk of frost damage while promoting optimal fruit development. Additionally, Door County’s alkaline soil and shallow limestone deposits are particularly well-suited for growing fruit trees, contributing to the exceptional quality of the cherries.
Door County is well known for its bright red and tangy tart cherries, ideal for classic cherry pies, tart cherry jam, and cherry juice. Their vibrant flavor adds a burst of tangy sweetness to a variety of dishes. Local restaurants and bakeries in Door County take pride in incorporating these cherries into their menus, creating mouthwatering dishes that celebrate the region’s bountiful harvest.
But it is the sweet cherries that truly steal the spotlight at Barnard Farm. These dark, luscious fruits are celebrated for their complex and vibrant taste and are perfect for eating fresh. Each bite offers a burst of flavors, from the initial burst of sweetness to the subtle undertones of warming spices, vanilla, and honey that develop on the palate.
Hand-picked at the peak of ripeness, our Door County sweet cherries from Barnard Farms are both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. Curious why people think these cherries are the bees’ knees—or why their bees are thriving while others are disappearing? It’s all about their commitment to sustainable practices.
They avoid broad-spectrum pesticides, ensuring blossoms within the bees’ flying range for their nourishment. Plus, their plantings of buckwheat and clovers yield everything their bees need. They don’t use any herbicides! Instead, they control weeds and grasses with lots of mulch, frequent mowing, and hoeing around young trees. Ground cloth allows moisture in but keeps weeds out naturally.
Barnard Farm, a cornerstone of Door County’s cherry industry, has been cultivating cherries for generations. This family-owned farm embodies the region’s rich agricultural tradition, combining time-honored practices with modern sustainability techniques.
Visitors to Barnard Farm can experience the joy of picking their own cherries during the harvest season, typically from late June to late July. Harvest, or cherry season, in Door County is a time of celebration. Festivals and events, such as the annual Cherry Fest in Jacksonport, bring the community together to honor this cherished fruit. At Barnard Farm, the cherry-picking season is a highlight, drawing visitors from near and far to partake in the harvest.
Experience the exceptional taste of Barnard Farm’s sweet cherries, a true testament to the care and dedication invested in every harvest. Enjoy the quality that comes from generations of expertise and a commitment to the perfect cherry.
Visit pickyourowndoorcountycherries.com to learn more about Barnard Farms.