Voluptuous Varieties
With over 1,000 varieties of cherries, only 10 are produced commercially in the United States. Three states dominate sweet cherry production for the fresh market (Washington, Oregon, and California) while Michigan leads the charge for tart cherries (most for the processing and foodservice markets).
Washington
Perennial favorite Bings are still the rage in Washington, but up-and-comers are nibbling at the succulent fruit’s dominance. “The Bing cherry is the standard all other sweet cherries are compared to,” says Norwood, but, he admits, “many other varieties are gaining a following.” Auvil Fruit grows primarily Rainier cherries, in addition to Bing, as well as Cristalina, a mid-season heart-shaped dark red to black cherry that can be picked stemless.
DeHerrera notes that more growers are planting Skeena cherries too. As a later season kidney-shaped variety, Skeena is known for good tolerance to rain-induced cracking. Marboe believes many new varieties will appear in the future, though he cites Rainier and dark sweet varieties as top among Washington growers.
“The main cherry varieties we grow are the same we’ve seen for the past 10 years,” shares Michael. However, he has “seen a small expansion into the early-ripening yellow cherries, all subvarieties of the popular Rainier.”
Oregon
High elevations produce sweet rewards for cherry growers in Oregon. The Willamette Valley and Mid-Columbia Valley areas contribute most of the state’s supply from a total of 15,500 acres.
Bing cherries are not only most prevalent, but originated in Oregon. June and July are the bigger harvest months, with remaining fruit hand-picked by the mid- or the end of August, depending on weather influences and variety.
California
In California, the Coral Champagne cherry is the newest kid on the block. “Corals do well with good yields for quality and flavor,” shares Jameson. The fruit has been well-received, he says, and “all new plantings in south and north have been Coral.” Similar to Bing in flavor, Coral cherries are firm, large, and a standout for exports. Jameson says Corals grow well in all districts, “from the earlier season in Bakersfield and Lodi all the way up to Stockton.”
Reiman has been getting “later and later variety Chelans,” which have a more tart flavor profile. After a large orchard in Bakersfield was taken out, he has fewer early season cherries, but says the lion’s share (around 80 percent) is consistent with Bings.
