When Is Cherry Season? Here’s the Best Time to Buy

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When is cherry season? It varies where you live, but between May and August is when most cherries are picked. There are states that harvest early and states that peak in July. This guide tells you exactly when to buy cherries, which kinds are best, and how to pick the juiciest ones.

Find out when to shop, how cherries grow, and why some cherry trees produce better fruit. Don’t miss cherry season, it’s short but sweet.

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What Is the Best Month to Buy Cherries?

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U.S. Cherry Season by Region

Different places and climates cause cherries to ripen at different times. When do cherries bloom? Usually, it happens between the middle of May and the beginning of August, from south to north.

• California Cherries: Start ripening by mid May, with first cherries from Bakersfield and Stockton areas.

• Pacific Northwest: Washington and Oregon harvest begins early June and peaks by early July.

• Michigan and Midwest: Traverse City and Lower Peninsula peak around early July to late July.

• East Coast States: New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia harvest from late June through mid July.

Sweet vs. Tart Cherry Harvest Windows

Depending on the climate and cultivar, sweet cherries may ripen before tart cherries in most parts of the U.S. This depends on the type of cherry tree and how the season goes.

• Sweet Cherries: Bing, Rainier cherries, and other sweet cherries appear from mid May through early August.

• Tart Cherries: Around the beginning of July, sour cherries like Montmorency are at their best. Most of them are then dried or frozen.

• Best Buying Month: Mid June offers the widest access to firm texture, fresh cherries at their peak season.

What Color Cherries Are the Healthiest?

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Are Dark Cherries More Nutritious?

The color shows how healthy something is. More Anthocyanins are found in dark sweet cherries. Anthocyanins are chemicals that are good for your heart and fight inflammation.

• Dark Sweet Cherries: Bing, Chelan, and Lapins offer strong antioxidant activity and rich flavor.

• Health Benefits: Lowered oxidative stress, improved heart health, and supported joint function.

• Tart Varieties: Have lower sugar content and may offer higher levels of certain antioxidants compared to sweet cherries.

Tips for Picking the Freshest Cherries

Cherries grow quickly and spoil fast. The freshest cherries are easy to identify when you know what to look for.

• Firm Texture: Squeeze gently. Fruit should be plump and resistant to pressure.

• Color and Shine: Red cherries should have deep, even coloring. Dark cherries should appear nearly black.

• Stems and Skin: Look for green, attached stems and unwrinkled skin.

• Refrigeration Matters: Always select chilled cherries from farmers markets or local farms.

• Freeze for Later: Stock up during cherry season and freeze pitted cherries for year round use.

How Many Cherries Can I Eat a Day?

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Safe Daily Intake & Serving Sizes

Even though cherries are good for you, it's still best to eat them in moderation. It's fine for most healthy adults to eat a whole cup of fresh cherries every day.

• Adults: Aim for 15–25 cherries daily, depending on size and variety.

• Children: 10–15 cherries per day is generally safe.

• Dried Cherries: Limit to ¼ cup due to concentrated sugar content.

• Pitted Cherries: Great for snacking, but keep serving sizes in check.

• Medical Notes: Diabetics or those with IBS should monitor intake carefully.

Nutrient Boost vs. Overdoing It

Cherries offer fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. But overeating them, especially certain sweet cherry varieties, can lead to discomfort.

• Key Nutrients: Provide anti-inflammatory compounds and support digestion, heart health, and muscle recovery.

• GI Sensitivity: Cherry eating in large amounts can make you feel bloated or have watery stools.

• Allergies: Some people may experience tingling in their mouths or rashes.

• Blood Sugar Impact: Sweet cherries are higher in natural sugar, especially when dried or juiced.

• Balance: Combine cherries with protein or healthy fats to slow sugar absorption.

Why Should You Eat Cherries Before Bed?

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Melatonin Powerhouse

One of the few fruits that naturally has melatonin is the tart cherry. This hormone helps the brain control when to sleep and helps you sleep well during summer months.

• Melatonin Source: Tart cherry juice, particularly from Montmorency cherries, has been shown in some studies to improve sleep quality when consumed regularly.

• Sleep Rhythm Support: Helps realign sleep-wake cycles during long daylight periods in June and July.

• Whole-Fruit Benefits: Cherry fruits have more fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins than supplements.

Backed by Sleep Studies

Several studies have shown that eating tart cherries can help you sleep. Cherries in season or out can support better sleep when consumed consistently.

• Study Findings: Tart cherry juice increased sleep time by up to 84 minutes in adults with insomnia.

• Juice or Fresh: Results occurred from both juice and fresh tart cherries, twice daily.

• Off Season Solution: Use frozen cherries or dried cherries when fresh ones are unavailable.

FullyHealthy: Meet Cherry Wellness Market

Who Are We

FullyHealthy is a nutrition online store that focuses on clean-label, allergen-friendly products. It offers solutions for those following the AIP diet, gluten-free lifestyles, and ingredient-sensitive protocols.

• Mission: To support people with autoimmune conditions or food sensitivities.

• Product Standards: AIP-friendly, gluten-free, nightshade-free, non-GMO.

• Cherry-Focused Offerings: Helps shoppers enjoy cherry flavor year round.

• Customer Support: Offers small-batch goods from trusted brands.

Cherry-Based Products to Try

During cherry season or not, this shop has unique items made with fresh, dried, or infused real cherries.

• KC Natural Primal Cherry BBQ Sauce: Tomato-free, AIP-approved, made with tart cherries.

• Garden Cherry Tomato-Free Salsa: A savory salsa without nightshades.

• That's It Apple Cherry Bar: Clean fruit-only snack made from dried cherries and apples.

• Cherry Chocolate Protein Powder: Paleo perfection, ideal post-workout.

• St. Dalfour Black Cherry Conserves: Made with dark sweet cherries, no artificial preservatives.

• Wild Zora Orchard Mix: Blend of air dried cherries, apples, and apricots, great on the go.

Final Thoughts

It's worth the wait for cherry season, which is short but sweet. From blossoms to the last trees picked in mid August, timing the cherry harvest season is the key to getting the juiciest cherries. As the season progresses, each area has its own taste that is shaped by the weather and the exact moment.

From the cherry capital near Lake Michigan to the West Coast, grab the best cherries while they’re at their peak. Don’t miss it if you love cherries.

FAQs

When are fresh cherries picked from cherry trees in season?

Fresh cherries are picked from cherry trees during peak cherry harvest season from mid May through mid August depending on region and weather conditions.

What are the best tips for picking cherries at u pick farms?

Essential tips for picking cherries include checking for ripe skin, firm texture, and visiting u pick farms in cherry orchards during early or mid cherry season.

Why is Traverse City area called the cherry capital?

Because most sour cherries grown in the U.S. come from Traverse City area near Lake Michigan making it the cherry capital during peak harvest.

Do cherries grown on the West Coast reach international markets?

Yes, cherries grown in cherry orchards along the West Coast are exported to international markets when ripe and processed quickly.

What’s the exact timing for the last trees and best cherries?

The exact timing for the last trees to produce the best cherries is usually by mid August, depending on blossoms, plums, and weather conditions.