When Are Cherries In Season

You know that moment when you bite into a cherry and it just pops? That perfect balance of sweet and tart, that little burst of summer sunshine. It makes you wonder: when exactly does this magic happen? And more importantly, why does it feel so special?

Cherries aren't year-round guests

Here’s the thing: cherries are seasonal superstars. Unlike bananas or apples that hang out in grocery stores all year, cherries are like that cool friend who only visits for a few weeks. They make you appreciate them more because you know they won’t stick around forever.

In the United States, the main cherry season runs from May to August. That’s it. Just three months of pure, ruby-red joy. By September, they’re basically waving goodbye from the rearview mirror.

The two cherry tribes

Did you know there are two main types of cherries? Your sweet cherries, like Bings and Rainiers, are the ones you eat fresh out of the bag. They’re plump, juicy, and practically dessert.

Then you have tart cherries, like Montmorency and Morello. These are the sour cousins that make the best pies and jams. Tart cherries don’t get as much spotlight, but they’re the unsung heroes of summer baking. Ever wonder why cherry pie tastes so nostalgic? Thank the tart cherry.

Where does the cherry calendar start?

California kicks things off in May with the first sweet cherries. They’re like the opening act at a concert—exciting, but not quite the main event. Then comes the Pacific Northwest, especially Washington and Oregon, which hit peak season in June and July.

Think of it like a cherry road trip. They start in sunny California, then travel north, each region offering a slightly different flavor. By the time you get to Michigan in July and August, you’re eating tart cherries that practically beg to be baked into a cobbler.

When Are Cherries In Season In Ny - GreenThumbsGuide

Why is cherry season so short?

Here’s the honest answer: cherries are fragile divas. They bruise easily, they rot quickly, and they don’t like being shipped around the world. Unlike an avocado that can survive a bumpy truck ride, a cherry will throw a tantrum and turn to mush.

That’s why you rarely see imported cherries in winter. They’re grown in places like Chile or Argentina, but they arrive looking sad and tasting like cardboard. So the short season is actually nature’s way of protecting the good stuff. Why settle for mediocre cherries when you can have perfect ones for a few months?

The cool part: cherries are time travelers

Okay, here’s where it gets fun. Cherry season isn’t just about the fruit—it’s about anticipation. Think about it: we spend all spring waiting for the first local strawberries, then the first peaches, then the first cherries. It’s like a flavor calendar.

When you see those first bags of cherries at the farmer’s market in June, your brain literally releases a little dopamine hit. You know summer has officially started. It’s the same feeling as hearing your favorite song on the radio for the first time in months.

How to tell if a cherry is at its peak

You don’t need to be a fruit expert. Color is your best friend. A deep, dark red or a rich maroon usually means it’s sweet and ready. If it’s too light, it might be a bit tart. And if it’s mushy, just walk away.

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Also, check the stem. A green, flexible stem means the cherry was picked recently. A brown, brittle stem means it’s been sitting around. And trust me, you don’t want a cherry that’s been sitting around longer than you have.

What about frozen cherries?

Let’s be real: frozen cherries are a lifesaver. They’re picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, so they’re actually quite good. They won’t have that same crispy snap as fresh ones, but they’re perfect for smoothies, baking, or even just thawing and eating with yogurt.

Think of frozen cherries as the “director’s cut” version of the cherry movie. You miss the theatrical experience, but you still get the full story. And you can enjoy them in February when you’re craving a taste of summer.

Cherry season is a reminder

So when are cherries in season? Technically, May through August. But really, they’re in season when you make time for them. When you pause at the farmer’s market and grab a bag just because they look so good. When you eat them by the handful while standing over the sink, juice dripping down your chin.

That’s the real season: the one where you slow down and enjoy something that won’t last. So go ahead, ask yourself: when was the last time I let a cherry make my day? If the answer is “too long,” maybe it’s time to check the calendar and start hunting.