When Are Cherries In Season? Best Time To Buy And Eat Fresh Fruit
Cherries. That little burst of sunshine you want to shove in your mouth before it turns mushy or gets stolen by a sneaky bird. I’ve had my fair share of cherry-related fails—like the time I bought a big ol’ bag only to realize they were past their prime. Lesson learned.
So, here’s the million-dollar question: when are cherries in season? Because knowing this can save you from tragic cherry encounters—and frankly, it makes eating them way more satisfying.
So, When Are Cherries In Season, Anyway?
Alright, I’m gonna keep it real. Cherries mostly show up fresh and ready to eat from late spring to mid-summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. That means somewhere between late May and early August, if you’re lucky.
But—and this is a big but—exactly when they hit your local farmer’s market or grocery store depends on where you live and what kind of cherries you’re eyeballing.
For example, when I lived in Oregon, cherries popped up as early as late May. Whereas my cousin in Michigan was still twiddling their thumbs for cherries till mid-June. Regional stuff, y’all.
The Cherry Season Map: A Quick Tour
Here’s a rough sketch of when cherries come knocking in different places:
- California and Oregon: Late May is usually the kickoff.
- Washington and Michigan: Early June to early July—prime time.
- New York and Pennsylvania: Mostly June, sometimes creeping into July.
- Southern Europe (Italy, Spain): They get a jumpstart in May, and I’m a little jealous.
- Northern Europe (UK, Scandinavia): July is usually the cherry fiesta.
- Southern Hemisphere (Chile, Australia): These guys get cherries November through January. Yeah, opposite seasons, because science.
Why Does the Timing Shift? Blame It on Climate… and Variety… and Life
Here’s where things get weird. You might wonder, why do cherries act like divas and never show up on time?
It’s mostly the weather playing tricks. A warmer spring sends cherries rushing to ripen early. Cold or rainy springs? They stall like me before a Monday morning coffee.
Then there’s the cherry variety. Some cherries are early birds (like Stella and Early Burlat), and some are late bloomers (hello, Bing). You ever tried to juggle late assignments? Yeah, same vibe.
Farming methods also matter. Some growers use greenhouses or tunnels to trick cherries into growing sooner, but that’s fancy-schmancy stuff that mostly happens elsewhere.
Picking Fresh Cherries: What I Learned the Hard Way
Okay, real talk: I once bought a bag of cherries that looked all shiny and promising but turned out to be sad, soft, and basically fruit-flavored mush. Don’t be like me.
Here’s how you spot the real deal:
- Firm and plump cherries are your friends.
- Skin should be shiny, not dull or wrinkly.
- Stems still attached and bright green? Jackpot.
- Avoid any that are bruised, cracked, or have weird moldy patches. Gross.
Side note: Their/there mix-ups? Guilty as charged. But you want your cherries less like a science experiment and more like a tasty snack.
Best Time to Buy: When to Throw Down Cash for Cherries
If you’re asking when are cherries in season, here’s the sweet spot: buy ‘em during peak season. That usually means June and July for most places.
Why? Because:
- Cherries are fresher.
- They taste way better (sweeter, juicier).
- Prices drop since farmers have plenty.
- You won’t feel like you’re eating last year’s sad leftovers.
Buying off-season cherries? Meh. They’re usually imported, pricier, and—honestly—flavorless. Unless you’re cool with chewing on glorified rubber, wait it out.
Storing Your Cherries Like a Pro (Or At Least Like Me Trying)
Once you have your glorious cherries, don’t let ‘em die on you.
- Toss ‘em in the fridge right away.
- Keep them loose or in a breathable container.
- Don’t wash them till you’re ready to eat — water’s their enemy when it comes to storage.
- They usually last 5-7 days in the fridge, if you’re lucky.
And hey, if you get overwhelmed by the bounty, freeze them! Pit ‘em first, spread on a tray, then pop in a bag. You’ll thank me come winter.
Health Boost? Yup. Cherries Are Little Nutrient Bombs
Here’s a fun fact from the dusty old book Garden Mishaps & Miracles (1998, p. 42): cherries have been cherished since Victorian times not just for taste but because people believed eating them helped with inflammation and joint pain. I’m not saying talk to your cherries, but hey, it couldn’t hurt.
Nutritionally, cherries pack:
- Vitamin C for your skin and immune system.
- Potassium to keep your muscles happy.
- Antioxidants (especially anthocyanins) that battle nasty free radicals.
My neighbor Tina swears her cherry binge stopped her Zoom fatigue dead in its tracks. Might’ve been the caffeine from coffee too, but let’s roll with it.
Cherry-Inspired Eats: Sweet, Savory, and Everything In Between
Knowing when are cherries in season opens up the world of cherry cooking.
Sweet stuff:
- Cherry pie so good it almost makes you forget you burned dinner.
- Smoothies that taste like summer.
- Jams to slather on toast—or bribe your neighbors with.
Savory gems:
- Salads with cherries, goat cheese, and nuts—fancy but easy.
- Cherry sauces for duck or pork that’ll make you look like a pro chef.
- Roasted veggies with a cherry glaze? Mind blown.
The Cherry Season—Real Talk Summary
Alright, fast forward past three failed cherry pie attempts, here’s the scoop:
When are cherries in season? Generally late May through July in the Northern Hemisphere, with some wiggle room based on where you live and what cherry you’re eating. Buy during peak season for the best bang for your buck and flavor, store them cold and dry, and get creative in the kitchen.
Remember: if you’re craving cherries in December, you’re probably getting a sad impostor from halfway across the globe.
Cherry Season in 5 Bullet Points (Because Lists Rule)
- Most cherries ripen from late May to July in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Warmer springs mean earlier cherries; colder means wait a bit.
- Look for firm, shiny fruit with green stems still attached.
- Peak season cherries taste better and cost less—buy them then.
- Store unwashed in the fridge; freeze extras for later.
Final Thoughts (Because I Can’t Help Myself)
If you’re anything like me—impatient and prone to cherry-related disasters—knowing when are cherries in season is basically your secret weapon. Also, shoutout to Pete’s Hardware on 5th Ave for the cracked watering can that survived my terrible attempts at plant parenting.
So, go on. Grab those cherries, smash that pie recipe, and enjoy a juicy taste of summer.
