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The Sweet Farewell of Northwest Cherries: Stock Up Before It's Gone

As the vibrant summer moves on, the delightful season of fresh Northwest cherries begins to wrap up. For enthusiasts of these sweet, juicy fruits, there’s still time to revel in their peak flavor and quality.

Karley Lange, the domestic promotions director at Northwest Cherry Growers, emphasizes the importance of enjoying the cherries while they're still available on the market. "With supplies becoming limited, now's the prime time to savor the exceptional flavor and sweetness these cherries provide."

Cherries not only serve as a delicious treat but also offer an array of nutritional benefits. To ensure that you can relish this summer staple throughout the year, freezing cherries is an excellent option. Katherine Carter, a seasoned cherry farmer from The Dalles, Oregon, shares valuable tips for prolonging the fruit’s freshness. Keeping the stems intact when storing in the refrigerator can help cherries remain viable longer; openings in the flesh of the fruit can lead to quicker spoilage. However, if you're planning to freeze your bounty, it's best to pit and stem them prior to storage.

When frozen correctly, cherries retain their nutritious profile, preserving vital vitamins such as vitamin C along with anthocyanins and antioxidants, which are essential for overall health. Frozen cherries are incredibly versatile; they can be effortlessly blended into smoothies, stirred into oatmeal or yogurt, baked into desserts, or tossed into salads once thawed. We can’t forget about sweetened dried cherries – they too are a fantastic pantry staple, perfect for homemade trail mixes, garnishing salads, or adding into grain bowls to provide a hearty and natural sweetness.

Nutritionist Caroline Thomason reminds us that while this cherry season may be drawing to a close, the opportunity to enjoy them doesn't have to wait until next year. "By freezing cherries, you’ll always have a naturally sweet treat on hand that’s packed with fiber, hydration, and antioxidants. The vibrant color of dark cherries comes from anthocyanins, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties."

Sweet cherries are not just beautiful and delicious; they serve as a wholesome snack that can help curb sweet cravings while contributing to a balanced diet. Their low glycemic index and abundant polyphenols also help reduce exercise-induced soreness and cellular stress, making them an excellent option for post-workout recovery.

With over 2,200 growers across five states producing sweet Northwest cherries, these fruits account for more than 70% of all fresh cherries found in U.S. stores - a testament to their popularity and quality. For preservation tips, recipes, and health information, enthusiasts can visit nwcherries.com.

As we say goodbye to this beloved summer fruit, let’s make the most of what remains and prepare to stock our freezers with sweet memories of Northwest cherries, ensuring we have a taste of summer throughout the year.