Northwest cherry season to end soon

Northwest Cherry Growers says sweet cherry season is coming to an end soon, and this year’s crop will be available in stores for a few more weeks.

The season, which started a few weeks sooner, began in early June, and the last varieties will ripen for picking in early August.

"Our growers have been revitalized by the 2024 crop. Yields have returned to historical averages, and more importantly, the quality for our consumers at home and abroad has been nothing short of excellent," B.J. Thurlby, president of the Northwest Cherry Growers, said in a news release. "The Northwest experienced a deep freeze in January, which has affected trees in some regions, but overall, weather this spring and summer has helped produce prime fruit with outstanding flavor and shelf life."

The organization said that while sweet cherries shine when eaten fresh, consumers can preserve the crop through freezing, drying and canning.

"Cherries often get overlooked when the warmer months fade, and yet they're a tremendously versatile fruit and are easy to weave into everything from oatmeal to smoothies," said Central Washington University associate professor Kelly Pritchett, Ph.D., a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified specialist in sports dietetics. "Sweet cherries also offer an abundance of health benefits and can be a great natural health aid."

Northwest Cherry Growers said sweet cherries are a natural source of antioxidants, including the anti-inflammatory benefits of anthocyanins that give the fruit a vibrant red hue. Anthocyanins can boost cardiovascular health, reduce pain and have cancer-fighting properties, the organization said.

Sweet cherries also contain vitamin C, which supports the immune system and potassium which helps maintain healthy blood pressure. The organization said sweet cherries are also a natural source of melatonin, serotonin and tryptophan.