Here’s a guide to the cherry calendar if you want to eat them at peak. For sweet cherries (like Bings and Rainiers), the peak season is June to August in the Northern Hemisphere.
Sour cherries (Montmorency) are a shorter window, usually late June to early July. They don’t travel well, so you’ll often see them frozen or dried. Don’t skip them—they’re incredible for pies and jams.
Where Do Cherry Trees Grow » Top Location Tips
If you’re buying cherries in late May or early September, they’re likely from California or Canada. The season is a slow wave that moves north as the weather warms. Plan your cherry feasts accordingly.
How to Pick a Good Cherry
Don’t be fooled by a deep red color. A good cherry should be firm and glossy, like it just left a photo shoot. The stem should be bright green, not brown and brittle.
A soft, wrinkled cherry is a sad cherry. It’s past its prime and will taste like disappointment. Also, avoid cherries with small, dark spots—that’s rot sneaking in.
One sneaky trick: shake the bag gently. If you hear a lot of rattling, that means many are bruised or mushy. You want a quiet bag—silence is golden for cherry-quality.
