Perfect Cherries

Whether you are purchasing fresh cherries for a scrumptious snack or to use in a favorite recipe, follow Stemilt Growers' helpful tips to become an expert like Kyle at selecting the perfect cherry.

Green Stems, Still Attached: The perfect cherry will have a green stem that is still attached to the fruit. A green stem indicates that the cherry is relatively fresh off the tree. Additionally, stem attachment helps maintain the freshness of the fruit.
Check for Color: Cherries are one of the few fruits that do not ripen off the tree. This means cherries should be perfectly ripe at the store. However, checking the color of the fruit is another great way to indicate ripeness. Generally, ripe cherries will be dark-red to mahogany in color. Rainiers are the exception; this variety is yellow with a reddish-pink blush.
Test the Firmness: No one wants to eat a soft cherry! Before purchase, be sure to test the firmness of several cherries. To do this, lightly squeeze the fruit between your thumb and index finger. The skin should give slightly and the cherry should be firm to the touch. Cherries that are too hard or too soft won't be as good of an experience.
General Appearance: Perfect cherries will be plump with smooth, shiny and unblemished skin. They also should be large in size and nearly symmetrical in shape. It is best to avoid cherries that have punctures, signs of decay, soft spots or shriveled skin. All cherries are delicate in nature and should be handled with extreme care. See our cherry tips to learn how to care for cherries at home.