Cherries are as synonymous with Christmas as mangoes are with summer. But this year, they may be harder to come by. And as you’ve probably already guessed, old mate La Niña is to blame.

That’s right – the relentlessly soggy weather wasn’t satisfied with just ruining all your social plans and turning your hair to frizz. Now it’s casting its gloomy cloud over the Christmas cherry supply.

According to food and agribusiness financial services cooperative Rabobank, while the cherry sector is in an “expansion phase”, the third consecutive La Niña currently underway in Australia increases the likelihood of a wet harvest, which could cause splitting in this year’s cherry crop. This will mean reduced local supply, which also means higher prices.

If you do manage to score yourself some choice cherries this coming season, don’t just use them as bespoke earrings – make the most of them in these easy recipes.

Related story: How much for lettuce?! Why interest rates and La Niña are making grocery prices higher