Cherries are a beloved summer fruit, known for their vibrant color, juicy texture, and sweet-tart flavor. Whether you’re growing sweet cherries like Bing and Rainier or tart varieties like Montmorency, timing your harvest is key to ensuring the fruit reaches its full potential in flavor and sugar content. Unlike some fruits that continue to ripen after picking, cherries do not. This makes it especially important to pick them at the right moment. Here’s a complete guide on when and how to harvest cherries for the best taste and quality.
Understanding Cherry Ripening
Cherries ripen on the tree and do not continue to develop sweetness or flavor once picked. This makes it essential to monitor them closely as they near maturity. The ripening period can vary depending on the variety, climate, and growing conditions, but generally, cherries are ready for harvest from late spring to early summer.
The three primary indicators of cherry ripeness are color, taste, and texture. By observing these signs and combining them with knowledge of your specific cherry variety, you can time your harvest for peak sweetness.
Color: The First Visual Clue
Color is the most noticeable sign that cherries are nearing ripeness, but it varies by variety:
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Sweet Cherries (e.g., Bing, Lapins): These usually turn a deep red or maroon when ripe. Some varieties like Rainier cherries develop a golden-yellow color with red blush.
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Tart Cherries (e.g., Montmorency): These typically ripen to a bright, vivid red.
Unripe cherries are pale and firm, often with a greenish tint around the stem. Wait until the fruit has developed its full, even color with no pale patches before considering harvest.
Taste Test: The Ultimate Indicator
The best way to know if cherries are ready to be picked is to taste a few from different parts of the tree. Ripe cherries should be juicy, plump, and sweet or pleasantly tart, depending on the variety. If they still taste sour or bland, leave them on the tree for a few more days.
Cherries often ripen unevenly, especially if the tree receives uneven sunlight. Fruits on the outer branches or those facing the sun may ripen first. Take samples from multiple spots on the tree to ensure a balanced assessment.
Firmness and Texture
Ripe cherries have a firm but slightly soft feel when gently squeezed. If they are too hard, they’re not fully ripe; if overly soft, they may be past their prime. A fully mature cherry should come off the stem easily with a gentle tug.
The skin should appear smooth and shiny, with no signs of shriveling or cracks. Cracked cherries are often a result of overwatering or rain just before harvest and should be eaten quickly, as they spoil faster.
Ideal Harvesting Conditions
Timing your harvest during dry, cool mornings is best. Moisture from dew or rain can cause cherries to become more prone to splitting and disease. Picking in the morning also helps preserve the fruit’s firmness and extends shelf life.
Avoid harvesting during or immediately after rainfall, as wet cherries are more likely to develop mold and fungal infections during storage.
How to Pick Cherries Properly
When harvesting cherries, handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising. Use your fingers to grasp the stem and pull it upward with a slight twist. Try to keep the stems attached, especially if you plan to store or transport the fruit. Stems help slow spoilage and maintain freshness.
Avoid tugging the fruit directly from the branch without the stem, as this can damage both the fruit and the tree. Use small garden shears or scissors if the stems are tough to remove by hand.
Post-Harvest Tips
After picking, store cherries in a cool, shaded place as soon as possible. They are highly perishable and begin to deteriorate quickly at room temperature. For best results, refrigerate them unwashed in a breathable container or paper bag. Wash only before eating to prevent moisture buildup and mold.
If you have a large harvest, cherries can be preserved by freezing, drying, or canning. Remove pits before freezing or processing, as this improves flavor and usability later on.
Final Thoughts
Harvesting cherries at the right time is essential for enjoying their full flavor and sweetness. Pay attention to color, taste, and firmness to make sure you’re picking at the perfect stage. Since cherries don’t continue to ripen after harvest, patience and close observation can make all the difference in the quality of your fruit. With a well-timed harvest, your cherry trees will reward you with a delicious, sun-ripened crop that’s perfect for snacking, baking, or preserving.
