As I reflect on my childhood summers in British Columbia, one of my fondest memories is the annual family vacation to the Okanagan region. The highlight of our trip was always a visit to the local cherry orchard, where we’d spend an afternoon picking fresh cherries straight from the trees. With tin buckets in hand, we’d fill them to the brim and then indulge in a fruit-filled feast on the beach until our stomachs were full. Needless to say, the cherry-picking season in BC holds a special place in my heart. This guide aims to share some tips for selecting and choosing cherries at their peak ripeness, ensuring you return home with a bountiful harvest. Before embarking on your own orchard adventure, read on to learn how to make the most of this sweet experience.
Cherry Lover Tips & Tricks
To elevate your snacking experience, try soaking cherries in ice water before enjoying them. This simple trick will leave each bite feeling refreshing and crisp. If you’re looking for a more innovative approach to pitting cherries, consider repurposing paper clips as makeshift cherry removers. To do so, unfold the clip and guide its curved end through the cherry’s stem end. Gently pry out the pit and voilà – your cherries are now ready to be devoured.
Bring on Cherry Season in BC!
As the winter season comes to a close, the arrival of spring brings with it an abundance of fresh fruits that evoke feelings of excitement and joy. For me, there’s no fruit quite like cherries – their sweet flavor and versatility make them a staple in many of my favorite dishes. Whether I’m adding them to savory meals or incorporating them into sweet treats, cherries are always a delight.While some may claim they’re not fans of cherries, I believe it’s simply a matter of discovering the right way to enjoy them. Perhaps they’ve yet to experience the thrill of cherry season in BC, where the fruit is at its peak ripeness and flavor. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge with others – to help you learn how to properly harvest cherries, identify your favorite varieties, and incorporate them into a wide range of dishes.
What do I Need to Know about BC/WA Cherries?
The BC/WA region is a unique gem, especially during cherry season. Its ideal climate and fertile soil make it an ideal place for growing various cherry varieties. Before embarking on a quest to find these succulent fruits at the grocery store or in the wild, it’s crucial to understand the different types of cherries this region has to offer. The area is home to numerous varieties, each with its distinct characteristics and flavor profiles.
Lambert Cherries
The Okanagan region’s most widely cultivated cherry variety is the lambert, which stands out from sweeter alternatives due to its tart nature. This unique characteristic makes it an excellent choice for incorporating into fruit-based baked goods like tarts or pies, as the tartness will effectively counterbalance any excessive sweetness. For those with a penchant for bittersweet flavors, the lambert cherry is sure to satisfy their taste buds.
Bing Cherries
Bing cherries are the quintessential supermarket find, characterized by their distinctive heart-shaped appearance and deep maroon hue. Their sweetness is legendary, making them a popular choice among fruit enthusiasts. The unique combination of flavor and aesthetic appeal has cemented their status as a staple in many a grocery store.
Rainier Cherries
For those who have a sweet tooth and appreciate visually appealing fruits, Rainer cherries are the perfect choice! While they may be less common in supermarkets, they typically become available around July and remain a staple through the summer months. Characterized by their light pink/white color with splashes of deep red hues throughout, these cherries are sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Van Cherries
Hailing from the BC/WA region, Van cherries have been a staple in local cuisine for centuries. Their diminutive size makes them an ideal snack on their own, offering a burst of sweetness with each bite. Moreover, their natural flavor profile lends itself well to canning, allowing for easy preservation and enjoyment throughout the year. Beyond snacking, many enthusiasts also utilize Van cherries in sweet treats like tarts, where they add a delightful touch of tartness and freshness.
Sweetheart Cherries
The sweetest surprise from the Parichut Wongthai cherry lies in its unassuming appearance. Despite being dubbed ‘bitter cherries’, they possess a unique taste that’s often overlooked. While some might enjoy them plain, their true potential is unlocked when transformed into delicious jams and preserves, making them an ideal choice for canning.
Skeena Cherries
The Skeena cherry variety is a staple in many supermarkets, making it highly likely that you’ll come across them during your next grocery run. Characterized by their large, dark red fruit, these cherries are the quintessential embodiment of what people often imagine when they think of ‘cherries’.
When is Cherry Picking Season in BC/WA?
Given our exploration of the types of cherries found in the BC/WA region, it’s only natural to consider the optimal picking window for these sweet treats. Cherry enthusiasts and grocery shoppers alike can rejoice, knowing that the prime cherry-picking season in this area unfolds between late April and late July. This six-week span represents the peak ripeness of cherries, making it the ideal time to pluck them straight from the tree or select a fresh batch at your local market.
When is Cherry Blossom Season in BC/WA?
Cherry blossoms are a beloved sight around the world, renowned for their vibrant pink hue. Their fleeting beauty is what makes them so captivating – people go to great lengths to capture their blooming moments. In the BC/WA region, this phenomenon takes place from mid-February to late May, offering a short but sweet window of opportunity to witness the spectacle.
Tips for Cherry Picking
When embarking on a cherry-picking adventure, it’s essential to grasp the nuances of when and how to pluck those juicy fruits. The last thing you want is to invest time and energy only to discover a basket full of underripe cherries! In regions like BC and WA, timing is crucial to savoring those succulent berries for as long as possible. To set yourself up for success, these tips will guide you in picking the perfect cherry.Picking at peak ripeness requires an understanding of personal preference. For traditional sweet cherry enthusiasts, the ideal time is when cherries turn a deep, rich red. Conversely, those who prefer a tangier or more bitter taste should opt for less vibrant hues. By mastering these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your next orchard visit and enjoy those luscious berries to their fullest potential.
Should you Pick Cherries with the Stem?
When selecting cherries, one crucial consideration is whether to harvest them with or without their stems. The answer hinges on when you plan to enjoy your newly purchased cherries. If you’re looking to immediately turn them into jams or use them in pies, it’s more practical to remove the stem beforehand, saving yourself time and effort in the kitchen. On the other hand, if you intend to savor your cherries over a few days or weeks, leaving the stem intact is the way to go. This preserves the skin of the cherry and prevents it from becoming mushy too quickly.
How Long do Cherries Last after Being Picked?
When crafting a comprehensive guide to cherries, it’s essential to provide information on the shelf life of these succulent fruits after they’re picked. To offer a complete picture, we must include all the crucial details about picking and storing cherries. Without the aid of preservatives found in commercial stores, keeping the stem intact can extend the freshness of cherries for up to two weeks before they begin to deteriorate. Conversely, pitted cherries will typically spoil within a week if not consumed promptly. By understanding these differences, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy your cherries at their peak flavor and texture. For those who appreciate cherries, you might also find the following recipes appealing: The BEST Double Chocolate Cherry Brownies, Cherry Lime Caipirinha – Summer Cocktail, or Fresh Cherry Cheesecake Popsicles with Cookie Crumble.
Do Cherries Ripen after Picking?
Unfortunately, once cherries are plucked from their tree, they won’t undergo further ripening. Therefore, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the best practices for harvesting cherries to maximize your chances of selecting perfectly ripe fruit. By doing so, you’ll be able to make the most of the cherry-picking season in BC and WA.
How do I Choose Juicy Cherries at the Grocery Store?
When it comes to selecting the perfect cherries, one crucial aspect is identifying those with exceptional juiciness. Whether you’re preparing pies, jams, or savoring them fresh, choosing juicy cherries can make all the difference. Interestingly, determining which cherries are juicy isn’t a vastly different process from picking ripe cherries in general. The key lies in focusing on the larger, darker-colored cherries, as they tend to be the most succulent. This simple yet effective approach will have you enjoying the sweetest, most mouthwatering cherry experience.
How to Clean Cherries
When it comes to cleaning cherries, whether they’re fresh from the tree or the grocery store, the method remains the same. It’s crucial to prioritize cleanliness, as consuming unwashed cherries can lead to illness. While rinsing with warm water might seem like a quick fix, it’s not an effective way to thoroughly clean your cherries.Instead, follow this tried-and-true guide for cleaning cherries: Start by filling a sink or large container with warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 4 gentle drops of natural dish soap. Mix the ingredients together, but don’t worry about creating bubbles. Submerge your cherries in the solution and let them soak for approximately 10 minutes.After soaking, use a soft produce brush or your fingers to gently massage the fruit, removing any lingering dirt, grime, or chemicals. Finally, rinse your cherries with lukewarm water and transfer them to a clean container.
How do I Pit Cherries?
When it comes to pitting cherries, having a specialized tool like a cherry-pitter can be a major advantage. But fear not if you don’t have one – there are still plenty of ways to get the job done without any specialized equipment. One approach is to use a sturdy straw, such as a metal one, which provides just enough leverage to push the pit out of the cherry. Alternatively, you could try using a toothpick or chopstick to achieve the same result. Simply insert one end of your chosen tool into the top or bottom of the cherry and gently push the pit out through the other side. While this method does mean sacrificing the cherry stem, it’s still a quick and effective way to get rid of the pit and enjoy your cherries.
How do I Pit a Cherry Without Removing the Stem?
While removing the stem from cherries is a common practice, pitting them without doing so requires some finesse. The most reliable method involves using a potato or carrot peeler with its curved edge. Start by inserting the tool into the cherry’s bottom until you feel the pit with the curved edge. Then, carefully pull the tool down and out to remove the pit. While this process may seem straightforward, it can take some practice to master.
If you don’t have a potato or carrot peeler, you can still manage to remove the pit using a spoon or fork. However, you’ll need to bend the handle slightly to curve around the pit and pull it out. Alternatively, if appearance isn’t a concern, you can make a small incision into the stem end of the cherry to facilitate the pitting process.
How to Freeze Cherries
After putting in the effort to harvest, clean, and pit cherries, it’s essential to know how to effectively freeze them. Freezing cherries offers a convenient way for those who want to enjoy this delicious fruit year-round or incorporate it into their favorite smoothies. In my opinion, there’s nothing quite like combining cherries with chocolate, but that’s just a personal preference.Fortunately, freezing cherries is a straightforward process. To get started, ensure your cherries have been thoroughly cleaned and pitted according to your preferences. Next, place the cherries in an airtight container or bag, taking care not to overcrowd them, as this can lead to uneven freezing. Finally, store the containers or bags away from the freezer unit to prevent freezer burn. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your cherries for months to come.
How to Thaw Cherries
When it comes to thawing cherries for various uses, you’ll need to employ different approaches. For instance, if you simply want to enjoy them as a snack, you’re in luck – just place the desired number of cherries on the counter and let them sit until they reach your preferred level of softness (typically around 10 minutes). The key is to allow them to thaw at room temperature so that their natural sweetness can shine through. On the other hand, if you plan to use them in a tart or baked good, it’s crucial to thaw them to room temperature first to ensure even cooking. This process usually takes no more than 30 minutes. In contrast, if your goal is to incorporate them into a smoothie, you can simply add frozen cherries directly to the blender – the freezer will do all the work for you! Regardless of the method, remember to handle your cherries with care to preserve their delicate flavor and texture.
How to Store Cherries
Storing cherries is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any special equipment or tools. To keep them fresh, start by washing and cleaning the cherries to your liking. Then, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Next, place the cherries in a container that allows for good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup. You can store them on the bottom shelf of your fridge or in a designated fruit drawer if you have one. Interestingly, it’s not necessary to store cherries in an airtight container, but doing so won’t harm them either. If you find that you prefer storing them this way, go ahead and do so – it’s up to personal preference. If you enjoyed learning about cherries, you might also appreciate our guide on Apple Season in BC, as well as some of our other popular posts like Apple Cranberry Bake, 32 Apple Captions for your Apple Picking Adventure ‘Grams, Fresh Cherry Cheesecake Popsicles with Cookie Crumble or Road Trips in Canada.
Benefits of Cherries
Cherries are not only a tasty treat, but they also offer numerous benefits for our overall health and wellbeing. One of the key advantages is their high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help combat stress and reduce inflammation. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals dealing with inflammatory diseases such as arthritis or those living a high-stress lifestyle. Additionally, cherries are a rich source of potassium, with just one cup providing 10% of the daily recommended intake. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health, making cherries a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Furthermore, cherries contain melatonin, a natural hormone that helps regulate our sleep cycles. Instead of reaching for a pill to help with insomnia, consider snacking on some cherries before bed to reap the same benefits. Finally, cherries have been shown to aid in exercise recovery, particularly tart cherries which exhibit impressive results in reducing post-exercise pain and accelerating recovery.
How to Remove Cherry Stains from your Hands
When enjoying cherry treats, you might notice unsightly dark red stains on your fingers. Fear not, as removing these spots is a straightforward process. To get rid of the cherry juice discoloration, follow this simple guide: Start by submerging your fingertips in warm water to loosen the stain. Next, apply some dish soap directly to the stained areas. The strength of dish soap makes it an effective cleaner for tackling stubborn stains like cherry juice. Gently massage the area with a soft-bristled scrub brush (or your fingers, if you don’t have one handy) until the stain begins to fade. Rinse thoroughly and repeat as necessary until the color has subsided. Be patient, as the removal process may take some time depending on the amount of juice and pigment involved. Thankfully, these stains are never permanent.
How to Remove Cherry Stains from Clothing
Removing cherry stains from clothing can be a challenge, but it’s definitely achievable with some quick thinking and the right techniques. The key to successfully removing these stains is to act fast – the sooner you treat the stain, the better chance you have of completely eliminating it. If you catch the stain early on, you’re in luck! Simply flip your garment inside out, hold the stained area under cold running water, and gently agitate the fabric to help loosen the stain. You can also add a dash of laundry detergent at this stage to further aid in its removal.
If the stain has had time to set, you’ll need to put in a bit more effort. First, repeat the initial process to remove as much of the stain as possible. Once you’ve done that, allow the garment to air dry until it’s only slightly damp. From here, you can try using a natural acid like lemon juice or white vinegar to help break down the remaining stain. Apply the acid to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently scrub the area in small circular motions before rinsing.
In either case, if the stain still persists after these initial treatments, you can always toss your garment into the washing machine and let it do its magic. With a little patience and persistence, even the toughest cherry stains can be banished from your wardrobe for good!
Guide to Cherries
As you conclude our comprehensive guide to cherries, we encourage you to put these tips into practice and embark on a fruitful cherry-picking adventure in BC. Before you start, keep the following pointers in mind: stick to the season (May-July), preserve the stem if you’re not consuming them immediately, and omit it for baking or jam-making purposes. This ensures optimal storage and handling of your freshly picked cherries.
While this guide aims to simplify the cherry-picking process, it’s crucial to develop a discerning palate by tasting different types of cherries and identifying your preferences. Larger, darker cherries tend to be sweeter and juicier, but if you encounter over-ripe or juicy varieties, a quick splash of lemon juice can effortlessly remove any unwanted stains.
As I sign off, I’d like to share a personal anecdote – a photo from my past showcases the joy and excitement cherry season brings. I’m confident that this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make the most of your cherry-picking experience in BC and WA alike.
