Fruit Ripening & Picking Guides

Cherries (sweet)

Color When Ripe: deep red cherries are the sweetest, while lighter cherries are less sweet
Feel & Texture When Ripe: smooth, round, should be quarter-size or larger
Taste & Smell When Ripe: plump and juicy
Underripe if…pink or orange but not yet bright final color, hard to the touch, the pit and flesh stays attached to the stem when picked
Overripe if…feel soft and mushy to the touch, skin is wrinkled, flesh is leaking juice

Stems should detach easily from tree
Hand-picking is best; grip stems and twist
Use the picking poles for taller trees; try not to pull off leaves/branch tips
Cherries can be picked very slightly underripe, but they do not continue to sweeten

Fridge: Keep the stem attached to the fruit as this will allow the cherries to store better. Don’t wash until ready to eat. Cherries bruise easily and will not last long once they’ve been picked. Pack loosely in a single layer, store in the fridge and eat within a few days
Freezer: De-stem and pit the cherries. Rinse, blot dry, and freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet for a few hours. Transfer to a freezer bag. Use within 6-12 months

Eating fresh; adding to salads or no-bake desserts; baking; cooking; canning