When Do Cherries Ripen?

When Do Cherries Ripen?

When do cherries ripen? At what point in the year can you expect to enjoy these delicious drupes at the peak of freshness?

Cherry Season

Cherry season is one of the shortest around when it comes to produce. Supply differs from year to year, depending on rains and other harvesting conditions. Because almost all sweet cherries are grown solely on the West Coast, it can explain why the price per pound differs so much from year to year.

But when do cherries ripen? Among commercially-grown fruits, it’s common knowledge that cherries are the last trees to bloom and the first to harvest. So for most cherry crops in the area, harvest season starts from mid-April to late July. That’s not very long for such a popular fruit!

That’s where Chukar Cherries comes in. The company began on a Washington orchard in the 80’s when Founder Pam Montgomery discovered cherries drying in the sun on her fruit trees. She decided to dry cherries naturally without added sugar and preservatives so that cherries could be enjoyed year ‘round. Chukar now offers a wide array of no sugar added dried cherries, chocolates, pie fillings, and gifts.

A Labor of Love

Cherries are a labor of love, with trees needing care for anywhere between three and seven years before they start to bear fruit, depending on the variety. Once they do start to grow, it’s all about waiting.

Red cherries, once ripened, will start to attract birds that are looking for something sweet to eat. Farmers protect their crops with garden nets and thin out the smaller fruits to ensure that they focus on the biggest and juiciest cherries.

Tart cherries will drop off the stem once they’re fully ripe. For sweet cherries, they’re usually tasted to ensure whether they’re ready to be picked.

So When Do Cherries Ripen?

From bloom to harvest, a farmer can expect to wait anywhere between 55 to 90 days, depending on the variety they’re working with. The aim is to get the cherries at the perfect moment to ensure that consumers can enjoy the biggest and sweetest fruit.

If you’re a cherry lover, be sure to check out the wide array of wholesome goodies on CHUKAR.COM—all of which are made from Pacific Northwest cherries.