You should know some tricks when picking cherries at the grocery store. First, look for a green, unbroken stem. This indicates freshness. If the stem is brown, the fruit is old and rotten. The skin of a cherry can also give you an idea about its quality. Old cherries will have wrinkles and discoloration. Rainier cherries are yellow when ripe.
Rainier cherries
Rainier cherries are unique thanks to their distinct exterior color and sweet flavor. They were developed by crossing Bing and Van cherries at Washington State University in 1952 and are named after Mount Rainier. When picking them at the grocery store, keep a few tips in mind to make sure you get the best quality fruit.
First, check the price. During the spring and summer, cherries are less expensive than during the winter and fall. You can get a large bag of cherries for about $3.19; rainier cherries will likely be a bit more expensive than red cherries. Still, they will be within reach for most shoppers.
Another way to tell if a cherry is fresh is by the quality of its skin. The skin should be glossy and firm. It should also feel firm to the touch. Cherry skin that is soft or has wrinkles close to the stem is not fresh. However, the firmness of the skin depends on the type of cherry.
When picking rainier cherries, choose plump and firm to the touch. Avoid smaller and softer ones because they’ve been sitting on a shelf for too long. Also, check the stem to ensure it’s not broken or deteriorating. Once picked, store them in the refrigerator to preserve their flavor and prevent odor transfer. Rinsing them will also help them keep longer in the fridge.
If you’re planning to wait to eat the cherries, store them refrigerated or in an uncovered container in the crisper drawer. You can also place them in an airtight bag or freezer container. When ready to eat them, you can rinse them in cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Bing cherries
Bing cherries are one of the most popular types of cherry in the United States. Their deep red color and firm texture make them the perfect snack or dessert choice. They are available from May through August and have a delicate flavor. However, they should not be used in baking because the color and taste will be ruined when they are cooked.
While Bing cherries have a unique color, other varieties are also available. Lambert cherries are small heart-shaped red fruits that are similar to Bing cherries. Balaton cherries are a deep burgundy and late-season cherries with sweet and sour flavors. They originated in Hungary and have a tangy taste that is similar to that of tart cherries. Rainier cherries are small and have a milder flavor than Bing cherries.
Picking cherries at the grocery store is not an exact science. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to preserve your purchases. First, store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well in the fridge for 5-7 days. After that, they can be frozen or preserved.
Secondly, check the cherry’s quality by touching it. Its skin should be firm and glossy. Cherry skin that is wrinkled or discolored is not fresh. This is because it has been exposed to sunlight and will lose its flavor. It’s best to buy cherries that are deep red, not yellow.
When buying cherries, keep an eye on when they are ready. Cherry trees start flowering after the last frosts of spring in April and set fruit in June. Generally, they are harvested around the same time as strawberries. To ensure that you get the best quality cherries for the price, purchase them when they are in season.
Lastly, be sure to keep your cherries in the refrigerator. They can be kept for a long time if they are washed properly. Rinsing them will remove the chemical sprays that can damage the fruit if stored at room temperature. If you wash your cherries, leave them in the refrigerator to preserve their flavor and prevent the fruit from spoiling.
Cherries are delicious on their own, and they are also great in recipes and baked goods. You can even use them in syrups or sweet toppings for drinks. These delicious fruits are seasonal, so grab them as soon as possible! If you’re looking for a tasty treat, try Bing cherries!
