Early raspberry season prompts jam makers alert

FRESH juicy raspberries have come on early in Tasmania, with one producer warning jam makers to avoid getting stuck by a possible early end to the season.

Richard Clarke checking the crop at his Westerway Rsapberry farm.

FRESH juicy raspberries have come on early in Tasmania, with one producer warning jam makers to avoid getting stuck by a possible early end to the season.

Richard Clark from Westerway Raspberry Farm said the fruit was usually hard to find at this time of year but this season they had already been picking them for three weeks.

“The fruit has come on really early. I urge people thinking of wanting jam fruit to get in now and then bung that into the freezer and thaw it out later when convenient to make jam,” Mr Clark said.

Mr Clark put the early season down partly to this year’s cold winter followed by a warm spring.

“If it cools down now it could extend the season,” said the upper Derwent Valley grower said.

Westerway Raspberry Farm held its third raspberry open day last Sunday.

“People picked their own fruit and for many it was a family affair. We also had our picking machines on display that are used to pick for commercial fruit processing.

“It’s one of the nicest days for us as farmers to share and swap stories with people.”

The 20ha farm, which also grows blackcurrants, was having an open day for that fruit on Sunday January 10.