Belgian cherry farmers sell 6,000 kg of damaged fruit: 'Perfectly edible'

Heavy rainfall has left two cherry farmers in Gingelom and Landen, Belgium, with 6,000 kilograms of unmarketable fruit. The cherries, though cracked, are perfectly edible and suitable for consumption or juicing, according to farmer Vincent Van Kerckvoorde. The damage occurred after a warm period caused the cherries to swell, and subsequent heavy rain led to rapid water absorption by the trees, causing the fruit's skin to split.

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The cherries have cracks, but they are perfectly edible.

Van Kerckvoorde explained that the cracks do not impact the cherries' shelf life, as they dry out and do not develop mold. Despite their edibility, supermarkets have rejected the fruit, adhering to strict contracts that only permit unblemished produce. "That's how it is in our contract book. We can't do anything else with these cherries," the farmers stated.

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The cracks have no influence on the shelf life of the cherries. These cracks dry out. There is no mold on them. These cherries are perfectly edible.

To prevent the loss of the perfectly good fruit, the farmers are now selling it directly to consumers. The organization Waste Warriors, which regularly facilitates the sale of surplus fruits and vegetables rejected by supermarkets, is coordinating this initiative. Interested consumers can find more information on the Waste Warriors website.

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They are fresh and edible. You can also press juice from them perfectly.