Prunus cerasus Kelleriis16 - Morello Cherry

The Kelleriis 16 or Morellenfeuer Sour Cherry Tree is characterised by its abundant production of fairly large, round fruits, approximately 2 cm in diameter, with a thin, bright red skin that darkens slightly when ripe, enclosing juicy, highly pigmented flesh. The red, firm and slightly acidic flesh, surrounds a white, creamy, hard, smooth, oval stone that contains the seed. The flesh is not strongly attached to the stone, making it easy to use the fruit for processing or cooking. It blooms abundantly between mid-April and early May, and the fruits ripen around mid-July. This disease-resistant, hardy cherry tree (to -20°C) is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. In the garden, this variety easily integrates into a productive or ecological hedge, an orchard, in association with other fruit trees, or as a standalone tree in a lawn. It is best planted in autumn for a harvest in July.

Plant from Organic Agriculture.

Prunus cerasus belongs to the Rosaceae family, like the Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium). Also known as the Sour Cherry or Acid Cherry, it is native to Asia Minor and has been widely grown in Europe since ancient times.

The variety 'Kelleriis16', also known as 'Morellenfeuer', was selected by the company Poulsen Roser (named after its founder Dorus Theus Poulsen) around 1945, near the village of Kelleriis in Kvistgaard, north of Copenhagen, Denmark. It is a cross between the varieties 'Ostheimer Weichel' and 'Früheste der Markt'. This cherry tree forms a small tree with a semi-erect habit, spreading with age, reaching approximately 4 to 6 metres in height and 4 to 5 metres in width at maturity, producing numerous divergent and trailing branches. The reddish wood is characteristic of the cherry tree family. Its habit is well suited for free forms on half-standards or low goblet shapes. The deciduous foliage is composed of large, alternate, obovate leaves, irregularly toothed, shiny green, turning brownish-orange in autumn. Flowering occurs in the second half of April, before the appearance of the leaves, which generally protects it from frost. The pure white, single, 2 to 3 cm diameter flowers are grouped in clusters. They can be destroyed by frost at temperatures between -2 and -3°C. It is a remarkably decorative blossom in spring, particularly rich in nectar and pollen. It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures around -20°C. This variety is self-fertile, so it does not require a companion to bear fruit, but the presence of another cherry tree variety nearby will increase productivity.

The Morellenfeuer Cherry Tree is a very productive variety, bearing fruit quickly, around 2 to 3 years, and reaching optimal production after 5 to 6 years. The uniform and abundant harvest may show a tendency for alternate bearing, meaning that a year of high productivity may be followed by a year of lower yield. The fruit is attached to the branch by a relatively short, 3 to 4 cm long stalk. The harvest begins around mid-July and extends until mid-August. It is important to pick the fruits when they are ripe, as they do not ripen further, and with their stems to ensure good storage. Cherries are quite fragile, so they should be harvested carefully. When fully ripe, the juice of the fruits stains hands and clothing. An adult sour cherry tree (between 10 and 20 years old) produces an average of 30 to 50 kilograms of fruit per year.

This sour cherry is very juicy and slightly acidic in taste and can be enjoyed raw, but its flavours are best revealed when cooked or processed. The fruit pulp easily separates from the stone, making it easy to prepare in the kitchen. It is delicious for making clafoutis, cakes, crumbles, or pies, and as an accompaniment to savoury dishes with white meats (turkey, chicken, veal, etc.) or tagines. They are also perfect for making jams, compotes, juices, or preserved in syrup. Not to mention the famous cherry brandy, to be consumed in moderation. Its content of vitamins A, B, and C, phenolic antioxidants, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant iron contribution, make the sour cherry a healthy choice. The fruits can only be stored for a few days at room temperature. However, they can be frozen once washed, dried, and pitted, or used in preserves.

The Kelleriis16 Sour Cherry Tree can be grown in most regions. Its major asset is the taste quality of its fruits, but it is also very vigorous, hardy, and highly productive. It is quite resistant to diseases and, under favourable conditions, easy to cultivate. It tolerates acidic or slightly alkaline soil, but not excessively so, and prefers a rich, deep, well-drained soil with no excess water and full sun. This cherry tree, with moderate growth, is well suited for medium-sized gardens. It can be planted on a lawn, at the back of a flower bed, in an orchard or a productive hedge, alongside traditional fruit trees such as peach and nectarine trees, apple trees, pear trees, plum trees, or more unique varieties such as Asimina (pawpaw), persimmon (kaki) trees, Nashi pear trees, or even quince trees. It is also possible to associate it with other cherry trees to diversify tastes and uses, as well as extend the harvest period.