Cherries are a sweet and tart fruit. If you have a question in mind, such as ‘When are cherries in season?’ They are mostly ripe in the summer season. People love this fruit; However, there are two main varieties: sweet cherries and tart cherries. There are different tree varieties like Bing, Rainier, Lapin, Utah Giant, and Montmorency cherries. There are also California cherries and Michigan cherries based on the regions. The cherry season also changes based on the region. In the Southern Hemisphere, cherries grow during what is winter for the U.S., which is why you can find fresh Chilean cherries during the Northern Hemisphere’s off-season.
Through this guide, I will tell you about “when are cherries in season?” and season differences in sweet cherries and tart cherries, and also about imported cherries, tart cherries, Michigan cherries, white cherries, and sweet cherry trees.
Quick Answer:
Cherries are in season during the summer months between mid May and August. However, June and July are the peak harvest window, and both varieties are available during this season. However, the time can vary for some regions. Sweet cherries ripen earlier, whereas tart cherries take time.
When Are Cherries In Season?
Cherries become mature in the summer season, which is from mid-May to August. In the Southern Hemisphere, Chilean cherries ripen from November through February, filling the gap during the Northern Hemisphere’s off-season. The sweet cherries mature in April and last till August, whereas the tart cherries are available from the end of May and last till August.
Cherry Season Month-by-Month
The ripening season of cherries varies by region and their type; most of the plants ripen by the end of May and June; some of the species tend to start ripening in late June. However, the cherries mature in the late spring and early summer season; they are also available in the monsoon.
Seasonal Timeline:
May: California cherries hit the market, marking the start of the season
June: California is in peak harvest, joined by early Michigan and other regional crops
July: Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon) and Michigan reach peak season
August: Late-season areas like the Northeastern U.S. wrap up the harvest
Sweet Cherries Vs. Tart Cherries: Season Differences
Sweet cherries and tart cherries are the two main varieties of cherries. As you know from the name, sweet cherries are those that are sweeter in taste, whereas tart cherries have a slightly sour and tangy taste. Read about the difference between the two cherries in detail.
Sweet Cherries
Usually, this variety ripens in late April and lasts till July. Latin America is the biggest exporter of sweet cherries; however, the cherry season there ends very quickly, within 7 to 8 weeks. There are different types of trees for sweet cherries.
These are larger in size and have natural sweeteners. It can be the best option for snacking, gifting, and pairing with wine. People also love pairing it with chocolate. As per the NCBI, sweet and tart cherries have anti-inflammatory properties and contain melatonin, which improves gut health and sleep. It is also beneficial for blood pressure, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Tart Cherries
Tart cherries usually ripen from May to July. These are found mostly in Michigan and New York. However, there are some varieties available in other areas also.
They have a tangy, complex, and slightly sour flavor. These are smaller, more acidic, and naturally vibrant. It is the best option for baking, sauces, savory pairing, and chocolate for bold contrast and adding brightness to the food. These are also known as Montmorency cherries.
What Are Different Cherry Seasons By Region?
In the Pacific Northwest, cherries ripen in July; in the Midwestern U.S., cherries ripen in late June through July. Whereas in the Northeastern U.S., cherries are available from late June to early August. In the Southern and Western U.S., they ripen in early to late April. Explore the different seasons of the cherry plant based on the regions.
Southern & Western U.S./Cherry Season California: The cherries usually reach the market in late April in California; the peak season is May and June. Cherry crops ripen first in California, due to the warm climate. These are usually sweet in taste.
Pacific Northwest: The climate is cooler here, so the ripening starts in July. Washington and Oregon are famous for their dark sweet cherries, together supplying an estimated 60% of the nation’s sweet cherry demand.
Midwestern U.S./Michigan: In most of the areas of Michigan, tart cherries are found. The harvest is between June and July. Making it the prime season of cherry picking in the Midwest region.
Northeastern U.S.: These regions are mostly cold, so the ripening starts from late June and ends in August. This area also produces most of the tart cherries.
Off-Season Cherries: Imported Cherries From Chile
In the southern hemisphere, the cherry season is in the winter and fall seasons, from early November to February; because of the higher demand, America imports cherries from Chile. These cherries are large in size and shape depending on the variety. They are uniform and plump in shape.
There are different varieties, and each of them has a different ripening window. These cherries are a category of sweet cherries belonging to the Rosaceae family.
Variety Of Sweet Cherry Trees and Their Season
Bing cherry, Rainier cherry, Lapin cherry, Utah Giant cherry, and Montmorency cherry are some varieties of sweet cherry trees. Walk through each plant type and its season in detail.
Bing Cherry Tree: Bing cherries are a variety of the Rosaceae family; they are sweet in taste. They mature by May and stay until early July. This variety ripens earlier than others and makes up to 50% of the U.S. cherry crop.
Rainier Cherry Tree: Rainier cherries are also called white cherries due to their pale yellow skin with a red blush. This variety gets ripe by mid-June and fruits till August. They are sweet and delicate, and even a small rupture in the skin can damage the fruit. Even with a small rupture, you can harm the plant.
Lapin Cherry Tree: Lapin cherries are a hybrid variety of sweet cherry; the trees reach a height of 12 meters. Their ripening season is between mid- and late summer, that is, from mid-July to August. These are large in size and have a firm texture.
Utah Giant Cherry Trees: Utah Giant Cherries are larger in size and give a sweet taste, just like Bing cherries. The Utah Giant trees ripen from June to July. These are very large and flavorful, and canning them will be a good option.
Montmorency Cherry: Montmorency cherries are sour in taste and are usually found in Canada. These cherries ripen from late June to August. These are tart and can be grown in backyards. They are available throughout the year in dried, frozen, and canned forms.
Conclusion
I have provided all the information related to “When are cherries in season?” Most of the cherries are harvested between mid May and August; however, the cherries of the southern hemisphere, that is, the Chilean cherries, ripen between November and February. However, the ripening season changes with the area and also the season. Cherries also have some variety in the trees, like the Bing cherry tree, the Rainier cherry tree, the Lapin cherry tree, the Utah Giant cherry tree, etc.
There are different varieties of cherries in the market. Mainly, there is division on a taste basis: sweet and tart cherries; however, some cherries are also named as per their region, like California cherry, Michigan cherry, and Chile cherry.
FAQs
What month is best to buy cherries?
You should buy cherries in June and July. You will get the most variety with completely ripe fruits during this period.
Is there a downside to eating cherries?
They are very healthy, help with insomnia, help clean the gut, control lower inflammation, and help the heart. However, they can cause digestive issues and are harmful for diabetes patients.
Why should you eat cherries before bed?
It improves the sleep cycle. This fruit has melatonin and antioxidants that help improve the sleep cycle naturally.
Do cherries last longer in the fridge or on the counter?
Yes, they stay healthier in the fridge than on the counter. If you are storing them in the cold part of the refrigerator after cleaning them, they can last for 10 days.
What are the benefits of eating cherries?
It improves the health of the heart and also improves the sleep cycle. It also improves gut health. Taking 20 cherries a day can help you improve your health.
- Cherries in California, Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center– University of California
