Single hen

[Chookiehen]

We picked up a couple of lovely Cherry trees from Poundstretcher this afternoon for £4.99 each. All the trees they had in were in fantastic condition, all with new green growth and good, well formed root systems.

 

They also had pear and apple trees in stock as well.

[Charlottechicken]

Ooh, thanks for that Shona! My Poundstretcher is near a Lidl so I may go next week and see what's left.

 

I really fancy a cherry tree, even though the birds will eat them before I do. What type of cherry were they?

 

Welcome back by the way, it's nice to see you back on the forum

[Chookiehen]

 

They had Morrello & Helderfinger - we got one of each.

 

We had a Morrello at our last house, and in the spring it was just stunning, although like you, the birds got all the cherries. In fact, the chickens used to stand on the little fence next to it, and strain up to try and reach them! We planted our new ones at the front of the house, so doubtlessly the cherries will be snaffled by passing children!

[Charlottechicken]

Hmmm......... I fancy a Morello, I think they might pickle nicely in alcohol

 

At least if the local children snaffle the fruit off your tree, you'll be contributing to their 5 a day

[Chookiehen]

Hmmm......... I fancy a Morello, I think they might pickle nicely in alcohol

 

Ooooh.....do they?! I may have to buy another one for the back garden then!

[Charlottechicken]

Or two!

 

Here's a couple of ideas (from Grow your Own forum) on how to preserve Morellos in brandy;

 

From "Preserving" by Cordon Bleu:

 

large, firm, ripe morello cherries

lump sugar

brandy

 

Cut the stalks off the cherries to within 1/2" of the fruit. Prick the cherries all over with a needle and pack into clean, dry jars. Layer the cherries with 1 rounded tablespoon of crushed lump sugar between each layer of fruit. Cover with brandy and seal the jar making sure that it is airtight. Leave for 4 - 6 months to mature.

 

OR

 

large, firm, ripe morello cherries

granulated, or preserving sugar

water

brandy

 

Prepare fruit as above. Make a syrup using 1lb sugar to 2 pints water. Bring the water slowly to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar, skim if necessary. When it becomes clear, add the cherries a few at a time. Leave for 1 - 2 minutes and then remove with a draining spoon before adding next batch. Remove cherries before the skins start to split.

Spread the cherries on a plate to cool.

Measure out 1 pint of the syrup and add a further 2lb sugar. Allow to dissolve. Boil quickly to the thread stage (216F). Leave to cool and strain through muslin.

Pack the cherries carefully into wide necked jars. Measure the syrup and add an equal quantity of brandy. Mix well and pour into the jars making sure the fruit is covered.

Screw down the lids and store for 4 - 6 months.

 

I haven't tried either of these methods, I haven't preserved cherries before, but they look very interesting!

[Guest]

cherries in alcohol are divine, trust me! Our friend's mum makes them and then leaves them for a few years to mature, they're fantastic!

 

these were bottled in 2003 and we still have just under 1/2 the jar left!

 

we're hoping to do the same with some of our cherries. We've got sweetheart, morello and heledfingen cherry trees.

 

[Charlottechicken]

Just thought I would bump this thread up again as I went into my nearest Poundstretcher today and they still had loads of trees I have to say they were really good specimens too, the only Morello cherry they had left had very thick branches and leaves already growing on it but there were plenty of other fruit trees. I really don't have room for another fruit tree, otherwise I could have gone a bit mad in there