For a brief few weeks in summer, cherries are on everyone’s lips. Plump and delicate, with a flavour all of their own, they are truly an orchard gem because to reach perfection is a matter of growing skill and exactly the right balance of sun and rain in the critical ripening days.  

They follow swiftly on from asparagus, whose good-food season ends on mid-summer day, the very day that the cherry harvest officially starts. It continues through until the end of July – or at least, that is what is supposed to happen. The fruit is fragile; a downpour in a thunderstorm can bring an abrupt end to the season and imports continue to threaten the future of our orchards. We joined cherry-lover Katie Napper at Q Gardens near Harwell in Oxfordshire, who, with husband Rowan, runs the largest fruit farm in the county, to discover the behind-the-scenes story of today’s cherry orchard.

The FARMA Month of Taste is supporting "Eat Seasonably", a nationwide campaign to help you enjoy fruit and veg at its seasonal best. Eat Seasonably is backed by retailers large and small, cafes, pubs, restaurants, charities, chefs and leading food organisations.

The campaign is part of 'We Will If You Will’, a response to The Prime Minister from business and civil society, spearheaded by Fiona Reynolds (National Trust) and Ian Cheshire (B&Q). The aim is to deliver new and unique collaborative efforts to encourage more people to live more sustainable lifestyles. At the heart of the initiative will be an unprecedented coalition of NGOs and businesses committed to delivering practical solutions to consumers and communities. www.wewillifyouwill.org

What 'Eat Seasonably' means for you is better labelling and clearer signposting of when fruits and vegetables are in season, as well as promotions and offers to make them even more tasty. Plus there are events all summer to get involved in.

Visit www.eatseasonably.co.uk