2024 West-Central Michigan Cherry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cherry U-Pick Orchards in West-Central Michigan in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for cherries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have cherries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Ionia County

• KlineKrest Certified Organic Produce - Certified Organic, apples, aronia berries, Asian Pears, blueberries, cherries, gooseberries, other berries, pears, peaches, plums, strawberries, tayberries, Other fruit or veg, U-pick and already picked
  1067 Somers Road, Lyons, MI 48851. Phone: (616) 902-1587. Email: LarryEKlines@gmail.com. Directions: From M66 in Ionia, go to Riverside Drive, then East to Somers Road. Turn South, and go .2 mile to KlineKrest Pvt Road. \(On east side of Somers Road\). Follow Pvt road to bottom of hill. Appointments required. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. UPDATE for 2021, Their website is gone and there's nothing else about them that is current on the internet - I presume they have closed. Does anyone have current information? If so, please write me. Monday to Friday at 9 am June 1 thru November 14 ? Saturdays from 9am to 1pm at either Ionia or Portland, MI CSA Farmers Market; Appointments required.From M66 in Ionia, go to Riverside Drive, then East to Somers Road. Turn South, and go .2 mile to KlineKrest Pvt Road. (On east side of Somers Road). Follow Pvt road to bottom of hill. Appointments requiredSee our home page for approximate monthly harvest dates; Current prices are listed on our website; Appointments are required; Call first;. We are certified organic for all crops! Appointments are required. Many unusual small fruits and berries. 45 varieties of Culinary, Medicinal, Native herbs. (ADDED: June 06, 2020)

Isabella County

• McIntosh Orchard - cherries and plums
  1731 W Remus Road, Mt. Pleasant, MI . Phone: 989-773-7330. Email: ekmpl@gte.net. Open: July for cherry season and late August to 1st week of December . Click here for a map and directions. . Apple cider (not pasteurized), 9 varieties of apples for sale in our sales room including Transparent, Paula Red, McIntosh, Cortland, Ida Red, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, and Northern Spy. We only press apples for our sale of unpasteurized sweet cider. U-pick . Zonta Club Applefest 1st Saturday, of Oct. up to 90 crafters, music, food and children's entertainment, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm5-1/2 miles W of Mt. Pleasant on M-20 on S side of highway.
• Papa's Pumpkin Patch - Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, sweet cherries, pumpkins, corn maze
  3909 S Summerton Road, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858. Phone: (989) 773-4345. Email: contact@papasfamilyfarm.com. Open: all year, Fri-Sunfrom 3 pm to 6 pm; in season daily 3pm-dark, Fri-Sun 11am-dark. Directions: From Mission St. in Mt. Pleasant, go 2 mi. E on Broomfield Road, then 18 mi. N to S Summerton Road. From US-127 take M-20 go E 12 mi. to Summerton Road, then S on Summerton Road approx. 2 mi. to 3909 S. Summerton. Papa\'s Pumpkin Patch is the home of the Michigan Maze and Michigan\'s Field of Dreams. Visit Michigan\'s largest display of farm toys and collectibles, pumpkins, gourds, crafts, and other fall decorations. Hayrides and gator train rides available. Group tours by appointment. Chi - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Papa's Pumpkin Patch Alternate phone: (989) 854-1041 From Mission St. in Mt. Pleasant, go 2 mi. E on Broomfield Road, then 1/8 mi. N to S Summerton Road. From US-127 take M-20 go E 1/2 mi. to Summerton Road, then S on Summerton Road approx. 2 mi. to 3909 S. Summerton. is the home of the Michigan Maze and Michigan's Field of Dreams. Visit Michigan's largest display of farm toys and collectibles, pumpkins, gourds, crafts, and other fall decorations. Hayrides and gator train rides available. Group tours by appointment. Children and adults have enjoyed hayrides, farm parties, rides on the Pumpkin Train, shopping in the Toy Store, playing in the playground center and much more. In June, Strawberry season is in full swing, u-pick or we pick open officially from 10am to 6pm, on nice weather days we start earlier and end later. Join us July 4th to watch the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe fireworks display from the mountain. Raspberries and blackberries are a couple weeks later in mid June as are traverse city sweet cherries. If you want to order tart cherries, just let us know! We also have many bakery items, cookies, pies and breads!

Kent County

• Goodfellow Orchards - cherries, U-pick and already picked, restrooms
  2565 - 12 Mile Road NW, Sparta, MI 49345. Phone: 616-887-0825. Email: goodfellowcherries@gmail.com. Open: starting July 3, Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sunday from Noon to 5pm. Directions: Located on the right hand side of the road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Goodfellow Orchards We are located 1/2 mile west of Alpine Avenue (M-37) in Sparta. from the South- M-37 (Alpine Avenue ) north to 12 mile road. Turn left (west), the farm is 3/4 of a mile down 12 mile. . from the North- 131-S to exit 101 (14 mile Rd) to Edgerton Avenue , turn left, go 1 mile to 13 mile Rd, turn right. Travel through town of Sparta, to traffic light at M-37 (past McDonald's). Turn left. Travel 1 mile, turn right onto 12 mile, the farm is 3/4 of a mile down 12 mile. . Tart cherries should start around July 10All ages welcome but no pets allowed!! Please bring containers to take your cherries home in. We are a no-smoking farm. No electronic form of payment available. Seasons vary based on weather, please call or e-mail for exact dates; We also keep a mailing and e-mail list to notify customers of the season start each year; Easy to pick trees, no ladders, family friendly! Children welcome, but PLEASE no pets; We provide picking buckets, please bring your own containers to carry your fruit home; We suggest large plastic, glass or cardboard (lined with newspaper) containers (shallow works best)Find us on Facebook, search!
  Comments from a visitor on July 02, 2016: "I don't think they were totally organic but they did use alternative methods to keep away unwanted guests (ex. plastic owls, and a cannon that shot off every so many minutes to scare off the animals) . Last year was the first year we found them and they were great! They allowed my entire family to pick and the cherries were great. We picked 50 lbs in about 45 minutes. "
• Grange Fruit Farm - apples, cherries, peaches, pumpkins,
  10724 Grange Ave, Rockford, MI 49341. Phone: 616-862-5408. Email: info@grangefruit.com. Open: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Directions: Corner of 13mile and Grange Ave. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Find use on Facebook for up to date. U-Pick HONEYCRISP and picked GALA, FUJI, JONAGOLD apples. Also fruit blossom honey, local maple syrup. Pre-picked also available. PUMPKINS! please call or check Facebook. - update for current in season produce. Produce changes weekly. LAST DAY OF SEASON OCTOBER 20 . (UPDATED: September 19, 2019, JBS)
• Klenk Orchards - sweet cherries
  3888 Ten Mile Road, Sparta, MI 49345. Phone: 616-887-9631. Email: cklenk@comcast.net. Open: end of June-July, Monday thru Saturday 7 am to 8 pm, Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Directions: Located on SE corner of 10 Mile Road & Fruit Ridge Ave. Click here for a map and directions. U-pick in a family friendly atmosphere! Already-picked cherries as well starting end of June-July. Specialty apples available per telephone orders. Call for apple orders starting end of Aug. at 3888 10 Mile Road, Take M-37 to 10 Mile Road, go W onto 10 Mile, 5 miles Or take I-96 to Fruit Ridge Ave. Exit, go N 6 miles.
• Robinettes Apple Haus - apples, cherries, cider mill, winery
  3142 4 Mile NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Phone: 616-361-5567. Email: Bigapple@Robinettes.com. Open: Labor Day thru December 31, Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5:30 pm Sun. Directions: 3142 4 Mile Road, NE, Grand Rapids. Located at the corner of 4 Mile Road, and East Beltline Ave. Just 4 miles N of I-96. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Robinettes Apple Haus Facebook page. 1-5:30 pm Jan.-Aug., Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5:30 pm. Winery is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5:30pm; Apple Haus is Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5:30pm. Our first apple variety of the year, Lodi, will be available on July 20th.U-pick cherries in July. Peaches for sale in Aug. thru September. Apples from late July thru May. Apple cider is made fresh from September thru May and frozen cider available in the summer. Year 'round bakery and lunches served. Preserves, candies, popcorn, maple syrup, cherry juice and gift boxes
• Sandy Bottom Berries - Uses integrated pest management practices, blueberries, cherries, raspberries (Spring, red),
  11555 Sandy Bottom Road Ne, Rockford, MI 49341. Phone: (616) 225-9376. Email: sandybottomberries@juno.com. Open: see website or facebook page. Directions: Located north east of Grand Rapids. From Grand Rapids use US 131 north to the M57Greenville exit. Travel approximately 8.5 miles east to Wabasis Road. Head north on Wabasis, then east on Sandy Bottom Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Sandy Bottom Berries Facebook page. Located north east of Grand Rapids. From Grand Rapids use US 131 north to the M57/Greenville exit. Travel approximately 8.5 miles east to Wabasis Road. Head north on Wabasis, then east on Sandy Bottom RoadWe use integrated pest management practicesWe are a small, family run, you pick berry farm. Every aspect of our farm is managed, maintained and created with you in mind. Our blueberries and raspberries are pruned specially for hand picking so that the berries are easy to pick for people of all sizes & ages. Tart cherries are also available for hand picking - and what awesome flavor when picked ripe from the tree. (UPDATED: June 30, 2020)

Mason County

• Christofferson Farms - apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, nectarines, pears, peaches, plums, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), U-pick and already picked
  3441 South Morton Road, Ludington, MI 49431. Phone: 231-845-5831. Email: hattrickred@gmail.com. Open: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: From the city of Ludington: Head south on the Old PM Highway to Chauvez Road. Turn left \(east\) on Chauvez Road, and follow it to Morton Road, approximately 2 miles. Turn right \(south\) on Morton Road. We are the second house on your right \(west side\), a large brick house with black shutters. Go up the driveway and park. Honk the horn if no one comes out - we are probably out in the orchards. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Christofferson Farms Alternate Phone: 231-233-5281 From the city of Ludington: Head south on the Old PM Highway to Chauvez Road. Turn left (east) on Chauvez Road, and follow it to Morton Road, approximately 2 miles. Turn right (south) on Morton Road. We are the second house on your right (west side), a large brick house with black shutters. Go up the driveway and park. Honk the horn if no one comes out - we are probably out in the orchardsPlease call for specific availability of varietiesIf you would like to visit the farm outside of our normal business hours, please call to make other arrangements. For more specific information on varieties and types of fruit available, please call us and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Montcalm County

• Anderson & Girls Orchards - cherries, pumpkins, strawberries, apples
  2985 N Sheridan Road, Stanton, MI 48888. Phone: 989-831-4228. Email: andergirls@cmsinter.net. Open: April- December , daily 9 am to 6pm. Directions: 3 mi. N of Stanton or 5 mi. S of M-46 on M-66. Some U-Pick is limited: strawberries \(one weekend\), apples \(one weekend\). We have a wide variety of items to offer. Anything from apples & peaches to jams & jellies. Our upstairs is filled with beautiful gifts. Stop by our bakery for a fresh pie & donut. The petting area has lots of animals waiting for your visit. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Anderson & Girls Orchards Facebook page. 3 mi. N of Stanton or 5 mi. S of M-46 on M-66. Some U-Pick is limited: strawberries (one weekend), apples (one weekend). We have a wide variety of items to offer. Anything from apples & peaches to jams & jellies. Our upstairs is filled with beautiful gifts. Stop by our bakery for a fresh pie & donut. The petting area has lots of animals waiting for your visit. Anderson and Girls Orchards facebook page.

Newaygo County

• Nelson's Farm Market - pyo strawberries, cherries (possibly other pyo fruit, too)
  11108 Gordon Avenue, Grant, MI 49327. Phone: 231-834-8441. Click here for a map and directions. .
  Comments from a visitor on August 19, 2008: "Just wanted to let u know that nelson's also has a great spot for kids with Llamas, goats, chickens, sheep, donkies, piggies, etc."

Ottawa County

• Dekleine Cherry Farm - sweet and tart cherries
  1887 32nd Avenue, Hudsonville, MI . Phone: 616-896-8453. Email: info@dekleineorchards.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 7 pm, No Sunday sales. Directions: Located 4 miles S of Hudsonville on 32nd Avenue, or one half mile south of Byron Road. U-pick sweet and tart cherries. Pitting available. Fun family activity. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Dekleine Cherry Farm Facebook page. Chestnuts in the Fall.
  Comments from a visitor on July 18, 2009: "Great fun for the whole family! Staff is friendly and helpful and love the option of having the cherries cleaned and pitted for a small extra charge. The tart cherries taste fantastic, I now have a pantry full of pie fillings and jams :)"
• Joe Gavin Orchards - sweet cherries, pumpkins
  16495 40th Avenue, Coopersville, MI 49404. Phone: 616-837-6472. Open: Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 p. Directions: I-96 W to Exit 19 \(48th Ave.\). Halfway between Grand Rapids and Muskegon. 12 mile N, 1 mile E, 34 mile N \(40th Ave.\) Follow signs. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Joe Gavin Orchards Facebook page. . U-pick sweet cherries in early July. Already picked apples, squash, gourds, Indian corn, pumpkins and sweet cider, Sept.-Novm. Sun.from 12 pm to 6 pmI-96 W to Exit 19 (48th Ave.). Halfway between Grand Rapids and Muskegon. 1/2 mile N, 1 mile E, 3/4 mile N (40th Ave.) Follow signsApple varieties include: Cortland, Gala, Fuji, Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, McIntosh, Pippin, Spy and many others.
• Rasch Cherries - sweet and sour cherries
  17751 40th Avenue, Conklin, MI 49403. Phone: 616-899-2931. Open: approx. Click here for a map and directions. U-pick and ready-picked . Families welcome July 1-July 21, Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 8 p.m. Call for exact date16747 40th Avenue, Conklin. From Grand Rapids take I-96 W to Exit 19 and follow signs. N 1-1/2 miles to Cleveland Ave. E, 1 mile to 40th Avenue, N 1 mile on W side. Follow driveway back.
• Wells Orchards - Cherries, pumpkin patch, corn maze
  O-8993 Kenowa SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534. Phone: 616-453-5919. Open: Monday to Saturday, June to March; see their website for hours. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: cash, check, credit cards, Project Fresh Coupons.
  Wells Orchards Facebook page. Corn Maze
  Comments from a visitor on August 01, 2009: "Family farm. Would love to see on your site!"
  Comments from a visitor on June 09, 2009: "Love it. "

 

Cherry

Cherry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

If you are about to pick cherries either directly from a tree, or from a local orchard or market, here's what you need to know to pick the best cherries.

Cherries are a fairly early crop, flowering soon after the last frosts in April and May, setting fruit in June, usually at the same time as strawberries in most areas (but check your area's harvest calendar and call the farm or orchard you are planning to go to a few weeks ahead).

Types of Cherries

There are two types of cherries: sweet cherries and sour cherries (also called tart or pie cherries). The difference is simple:

• Sweet cherries taste sweeter and are eaten fresh.
  
• Pie cherries are very tart and most people prefer to use them in pies, jams, preserves, jellies and butters, adding sugar to sweeten them.

See further down this page for a list of common cherry varieties and their uses. Washington State, California and Oregon are the primary sweet cherry growing states; they produce almost 90 percent the U.S.'s cherry crop. Michigan produces about 74 percent of tart cherry production. We have a master table of cherry varieties, sweet and sour (pie) in the order in which they ripen.

Cherry picking tips

• Pick ripe: Cherries, like peaches, continue to increase in size until they are ripe. They should be picked when they are of maximum size and full-flavored.
• But not under-ripe: Cherries picked before they are fully mature will not ripen off the tree.
• And not over-ripe: when they become soft, mushy or discolored.
• Pie or sweet: There are 2 main types of cherries: sweet cherries that taste sweet and tart when you eat them fresh, and sour (also called pie cherries) which are too tart for most people to want to eat fresh.
• For all varieties of sweet cherries, the darker the cherry is the sweeter it will be. If you like more sour cherries the lighter red and less ripe, the more tart it will be.
• Stem separation: Sweet cherries become firm when ripe (the stems usually stay attached when you pick a sweet cherry), and sour cherries part easily from the stem.
• Leave the stems on sweet cherries: Cherries that are to be shipped will keep longer if the stems are left attached. They will store in the refrigerator for two to three days.
• Appearance: Look for heavy, firm cherries with a shiny skin and fresh stem.
• But for immediate use, they can be picked with or without the stems.

How to pick the cherries from the tree

1. Gently grasp the berry with your fingers and thumb, and
2. tug gently.
3. If it is ripe, it will easily come off in your hand, with the stem attached.
4. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 cherries.
5. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
6. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the cherries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick Cherries from your own trees, a market or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden cherries ready for harvest.
2. Avoid placing the picked cherries in the sunshine any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat.
3. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Cherries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three days, depending upon the initial quality of the berry.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first! Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Get there early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
3. Bring containers - Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Cherries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Cherries more than 3 inches deep will smush the lower cherries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
4. Drinks and snacks - Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the cherries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Chill: Cherries are more perishable than blueberries or strawberries, so make a point of refrigerating them as immediately as possible after purchase. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze cherries! (Fresh cherries are highly prone to freeze damage).
3. Spread out: Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting cherries
4. Eat or freeze: Even under ideal conditions cherries will only keep for a few days in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as possible after purchase.
5. See my How to freeze berries page. (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
6. Now, get ready to make Cherry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Cherry preserves instructions - illustrated and easy or cherry pie filling

Cherry Recipes, Canning, Jam, Jelly, and related resources

• Cherry preserves instructions - illustrated and easy
• Cherry jelly
• Cherry pie filling
• Cherry butter
• Cherry festivals
• Cherry pitters - reviews and where to get them
• How to pit cherries - several methods

Cherry varieties

For a master table of cherry varieties in the order in which they ripen, click here.

Sweet cherries:

 

• Bing cherries are deep red in color and sweet.
• Blackgold - very late mid-season. Good for eating fresh. Self-fertile.
• Brooks - a large, firm red cherry that tolerates hot climates. Sweet with both complex flavors and a sweet tart blackberry-like taste.
• Chelan - deep, mahogany red, heart-shaped, medium sized, sweet fruits, like Bing.  Sweet, between 16 and 18 % sugar.
• Coral Champagne - very large, red, super sweet fruit that is often preferred to Bing. Firm, but juicy flesh with a coral pink color center.
• Emperor Francis are White or Blush Sweet Cherries, Early season, perfect for canning, making jellies and jams, or making homemade maraschinos.
• Hartland, an early season dark cherry. A Windsor cross, it was developed in New York
• Hedelfingen is a later season sweet cherry. It has large, black fruit.
• Kristin cherries are a a mid-season cherry developed in New York.
• Lambert Cherry is a large, black, late harvest cherry of very good quality, compared to Bing.
• Lapins Cherry is a self-fruitful, large, dark red sweet cherry from Canada with firm, good flavor. Ripens a few days after Bing and needs only 400 chilling hours or less to produce fruit.
• Orondo Ruby - A ruby red color with some gold coloring, this is a sweeter, brighter variant of the Rainier cherry. Marcus Griggs of G&C farms found this in his Rainier cherry orchard. They have a brighter red color to them and a sweeter and a bit more acidic.
• Rainier cherries are golden yellow with a pink or red blush. Rainier cherries are large and sweet.
• Royalton cherries are large, dark cherry mid-season cherries
• Sam - early ripening, large, black sweet cherry. Ripens 11 days after Vista.
• Skeena cherries are a late ripening variety. They are dark red, firm and juicy.
• Somerset cherries are medium sized, later season cherries that are dark and firm.
• Sonata - Very large, black, and moderately sweet fruit. Self-fertile.
• Staccato cherries are a deep purple-red and also a late season variety. Staccato cherries are large and one of the sweetest varieties.
• Stella are a large, sweet, dark-red fruit that ripens in mid-season
• Sweetheart cherries are a large, bright red late-season variety, medium sweetness
• Sunburst - large, firm fruit. Old productive variety. Self-fertile.
• Symphony - bright red, medium-sweet very large fruit. Late season. Self-fertile.
• Tehranivee - mid-season cherry developed in Ontario, Canada. Cracking can be a problem. Self-fertile.
• Ulster - medium-sized, firm, dark cherry, Ripens about 2 days after Vista.
• Vandalay - Large, red fruit with an unusual kidney shape. From Canada. Self-fertile.
• Viscount - medium-large, firm, good, dark red cherries. Late season ripening.
• Vista - the cherries are very dark, almost black. Large excellent-quality fruit. Mid season, ripens around the last week in June.
• Viva - dark red, 3/4 inch fruit from Canada. Ripens around July 4.
• White Gold are a blush cherry of moderate to large size.

Pie, Sour or Tart Cherries (all different names for the same thing!)

• Balaton Ujfeherto Furtos is a Hungarian sour cherry with firm fruit that is suited to picking by hand and eating fresh. Red skin and flesh. Ripens about 7 to 10 days after Montmorency
• Danube Erdi Botermo has dark red fruit with a unique sweet-tart flavor. Delicious eaten fresh or in baked goods. Ripens about 1 week before Montmorency.
• Dark-juice-tarts has juice that is red rather than clear in color.
• Jubileum - new, from Hungary. Very large with a dark red flesh. Sweet for a tart cherry, not quite as tart as Montmorency.
• Meteor - Medium-sized fruit with an odd shaped pit. Ripen s3 to 7 days after Northstar.
• Montmorency, the most commonly grown, traditional cherry for pies, baking and canning. Ripens around the last week of June to the first week of July.
• Morello Sour Cherry is a late-ripening tart dark red to nearly black cherry used for cooking, and sometimes eaten fresh when fully ripe. Fruits in warm climates ( 500 hours or fewer chilling hours below 45 F) Self-fruitful. USDA
• Northstar - Medium-sized, dark red fruit.
• Surefire - A new late blooming variety from Cornell. Bright red, medium sized fruit.

Cherry Facts and Tips

• Cherries come in many colors besides red: there are also dark red (almost black), yellow, blush (mixed) and gold cherries.
• Cherries are a very healthy food; they are high Vitamin C and naturally have no fat, cholesterol or sodium. They are also a good source of ivitamin A, calcium, protein, and iron.
• Cherries are an antioxidant-rich foods.
•  One cup of cherries is less than 90 calories and 3 grams of fiber.
• One cup of cherries has 260 mg of potassium which plays a key role in muscle, heart, kidney, and nerve cell functions.
• Cherries are high in fiber. Half to one pound of cherry fruit per day can provide twenty to thirty grams of fiber which is adequate for an adult daily nutrition requirement.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Cherries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze cherries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The cherries will keep for many months frozen without air. See my How to freeze berries page
• Anthocyanins in cherries are what give the fruit its red color and help protect the heart and surrounding tissues
• Some research has found eating cherries to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and gout

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers