Cherry trees not only add a touch of elegance to your landscape but also provide a sweet treat once a year. One of the most anticipated questions among cherry enthusiasts is: "When are cherry trees ready to pick?" This guide will help you understand the right time to harvest cherries, ensuring you enjoy the freshest and juiciest fruits.
First, it's crucial to know that cherries ripen at different times depending on the type and variety of your cherry tree. There's a wide range of cherry varieties, from sweet to sour, and they can reach maturity in a matter of weeks. So, patience and vigilance are key to picking cherries at their peak.
Understanding Cherry Tree Varieties
Cherry trees can be categorized into two main groups: sweet cherries and sour cherries. Each group has unique ripening times and characteristics. Knowing your tree's variety will help you determine when to pick your cherries.
Sweet cherries, such as Bing, Rainier, and Stella, tend to ripen later in the season, typically from mid-June to late August. They are usually larger, have a bigger stone (pit), and are best enjoyed fresh. On the other hand, sour cherries like Montmorency and Northstar mature earlier, typically from late May to early July. They have a smaller size, a smaller pit, and are primarily used for cooking, jams, and desserts.
Sweet Cherry Ripening Indicators
Sweet cherries change color and soften as they ripen. The final color can vary by variety, but it often turns a deep red, deep red with yellow undertones, or a dark purple-red color. The fruit should feel plump and firm yet give slightly when pressed gently. Here's a quick tip: the shoulders of the cherry (the area where it connects to the stem) will turn from green to orange or yellow as the fruit ripens.
Here are some popular sweet cherry varieties and their average ripening times:
- Bing: late June to mid-July
- Rainier: late June to early July
- Stella: mid- to late July
- Sweetheart: late July to early August
Sour Cherry Ripening Indicators
Sour cherries typically ripen earlier and have a more consistent color change than sweet cherries. They turn from green to a deep red or reddish-purple color as they ripen. Sour cherries will also soften slightly and become more separated from each other on the branch when they're ready to pick. Here are some popular sour cherry varieties and their average ripening times:
- Montmorency: late May to early June
- Northstar: mid- to late June
- Crispi: mid- to late June
Determining Cherry Tree Ripeness
If you're still unsure about whether your cherries are ready to pick, there are a few more signs to look for. Remember, it's better to pick cherries slightly unripe than to wait too long and miss the window for optimal flavor.
One reliable method is to taste a few cherries from different parts of the tree. Choose a cherry that's a similar size to the others and has changed color. Bite into it – if it's sweet (in the case of sweet cherries) or has a rich, tart flavor (in the case of sour cherries), it's a good indication that the rest of the tree's cherries are ripe. Additionally, the flesh of a ripe cherry should be soft and separable from the pit, while unripe cherries will be harder and more firmly attached to the pit.
Picking and Storing Cherries
Once you've determined your cherries are ready to pick, here are some tips for harvesting and storing them:
- Gently twist and pull cherries from the tree. Avoid pulling too hard, as this can damage the branch. A ripe cherry should come off easily.
- Sort cherries immediately after picking. Remove any overripe, underripe, or damaged cherries.
- Store cherries in the refrigerator at 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C) for up to two weeks.Place them in a plastic bag lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
A final tip: don't be disheartened if your cherry harvest seems small. Cherry trees are known for their biennial bearing habit, meaning they produce a heavy crop one year and a lighter crop the next. With proper care, your cherry tree should provide an abundance of fruit in alternate years.
Enjoy the sweet (or tart) rewards of your patience and care with fresh, homegrown cherries. Happy harvesting, and happy summers!