What To Know Before Buying Cherries

When it comes to buying cherries, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you’re getting the best quality and value for your money.  

Cherries come in various varieties, the two most common being sweet and tart. Sweet cherries are often eaten fresh and have a rich, sugary flavor. They are available in colors ranging from deep red to yellow and even dark purple. 

Popular varieties of sweet cherries include Bing, Rainier, and Chelan. On the other hand, tart cherries, such as Montmorency, are typically used in pies, jams, and other recipes due to their sour taste. 

Cherries are highly seasonal, with the harvest typically occurring from late spring to early summer, depending on your location. In the U.S., cherries are in season from May through August, with peak availability around June and July. 

The key to selecting ripe cherries lies in their color and firmness. When choosing sweet cherries, look for a deep, vibrant color. For example, Bing cherries should be almost completely dark red or purple when fully ripe.  

Rainier cherries, known for their yellow-red hues, should also have a rich color with no green spots. Avoid cherries with wrinkles, blemishes, or soft spots, as these are signs of overripeness. 

When buying cherries, the stems should still be attached to the fruit. Fresh cherries with stems intact tend to last longer in storage. Stems that are broken or missing can be a sign that the cherries are past their prime.  

A good way to assess the freshness of cherries is by their smell. Fresh cherries should have a sweet, fruity aroma. If the cherries smell off or fermented, they may be overripe or have started to spoil.

Once you've purchased your cherries, it's crucial to store them correctly to maximize their shelf life. Fresh cherries should be stored in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag to allow airflow.  

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