How To Pick The Sweetest Cherries

Summer just isn’t summer same until you’ve had some juicy cherries. Learn what to look for when grabbing your next  bag of cherries: 

When Are Cherries In Season? 

While these fruits are available all year-round, the best pick is from late spring to early summer. You’ve more than likely seen them pop up at farmers’ markets in May and June at grocery stores.

But while you might be eager to grab a bag as fast as possible, the juiciest berries don’t typically show up until July.

How to Pick Cherries

With help from Stemilt Farms, we’ve gathered the best tips for gathering the sweetest cherries:

How to Choose Cherries At The Grocery Stores or Farmers’ Market

It’s easy to grab the first bag you see, but here’s what to be on the lookout for:

• The color should be a dark red/mahogany color with shine. 
• The cherries should be firm to the touch. 
• The stems should be bright green and attached to the fruit. Attached stems are a great indicator of continued freshness. 

How to Pick Cherries From The Plant

If you’re able to harvest your own cherries, here’s some tips for your picking:

• Look for that deep red color for the perfect harvest. You’ll know when your cherries are ready to pick when you gently tug at them and they easily come off. If it gives you some issues, they’re not ripe yet. 
• Keeping the stems intact will ensure that your cherries stay fresher for longer.
• Once your cherries have been picked, keep them away from the sun and refrigerate as soon as possible. 

How to Store Fresh Cherries To Help Them Last Longer

Ensure your cherry’s longevity with these storage tips: 

1. Discard any bruised or moldy cherries. 
2. While you might be tempted to wash your cherries right away, don’t. Washing them will actually speed up the spoiling process. Instead, wait to wash your cherries until right before consumption. 
3. If you have the space in your fridge, we recommend adding your haul to a wide and flat storage container. Line the container with dry paper towels to absorb any water before adding in your fruit. When stored properly, fresh cherries should last a week in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Cherries?

Yes! But before you freeze them, ensure you pit your cherries. Follow our step-by-step guide to pitting your cherries before freezing. Then, follow these steps: 

1. Wash, dry, and pit your cherries.
2. Line your cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 
3. After mostly solid, transfer the berries into a freezer-safe bag.