Cherries are not sold year-round as a fresh product because they are a highly seasonal, finicky, and perishable fruit with a very short harvest window, primarily lasting from May through August in the Northern Hemisphere. While global trade allows for some importation during the off-season, fresh cherries are not available year-round due to the following factors:
While cherries are available all year round thanks to global trade, the vast majority of them—nearly 90%—are sold in stores throughout the spring to summer months of May, June, and July. These months highlight the height of the cherry season, giving businesses a concentrated window of time to maximize profits.
When Are Cherries in Season? Cherries are in season from mid-May to mid-August, and the peak of their harvest typically occurs in July. However, cherries can be purchased year-round in dried and frozen forms.
The California cherry season in 2025 is starting with a delay of about one week compared to the historical average and with a lower-than-expected production. Unstable weather conditions during blooming—characterized by rain, wind, and heat spikes—have affected the yield of early varieties, particularly Coral and Bing.
Questions People Ask When growing Cherry Trees From Seed - Cherry Tree From Seed Update 2
Is there a downside to eating cherries?
Excessive consumption of cherries or other high-fiber fruits may lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, particularly in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or fructose intolerance.
The global cherry market is bracing for a cherry crisis in 2025, particularly within the tart cherry segment, due to widespread weather-related crop failures and trade uncertainties.
Sure, you can probably get cherries year-round at some supermarkets, but they're likely going to have a disappointing flavor during the off-season — not to mention, an exorbitant price tag. Cherries are unique in that they're among the last trees to bloom in the spring but one of the first to be ready for harvest.
Our Cherries are hand-picked for their deep, ruby-red hue and juicy sweetness. Sourced from M&S Select Farms, each cherry is bursting with flavour and has a firm, plump texture that's simply irresistible. Our Eat Well flower on the packaging lets you know they're a healthy option.
McD ended up removing cherries about 7 years later because 50% of customers ordered their shakes with no cherry - countless others forgot to order no cherry… I remember countless times making a shake and handing it to a customer, the customer would refuse the shake because it had a cherry on top.
Stone fruits generally ripen in the U.S. from May to October. Plums hang around the longest, but some peach varieties come in through early September. Cherries, however, have a short season that runs from mid-May through the end of July. By August, they're usually all gone.
The big factor has been erratic weather, including “a poor dormancy period for the buds based in part on a lack of chill hours,” he said. “After back to back bumper crops in the past two years, I think we will be talking about how bad this year's crop is for decades to come,” he said.
Cherries are full of polyphenol antioxidants, which are found in plants. These can help protect your heart from cell damage and reduce inflammation. A study of more than 84,000 people found that people who got more polyphenols in their diets from foods such as cherries had a lower risk of heart disease.
Kiwi, Keeney says, contains serotonin, a chemical that can help promote sleep. Tart cherries. Their high level of dietary melatonin makes these sleep-friendly.
Eating many cherries in one sitting could lead to digestive symptoms if you're not used to eating whole plant foods, fiber-filled fruits, and natural sugar. If you're concerned about potential side effects, stick to a serving size of fresh or frozen cherries, which is one-half cup at a time.
For example, children and adolescents, as they are growing, need a sufficient amount of nutrients and calories to develop properly and a consumption of between 10 and 15 cherries a day is recommended. In the case of adults, they can consume between 15 and 20 cherries a day, or even 25, depending on each person.
Located in Michigan's Fruit Belt, Traverse City holds the title of the Cherry Capital of the World! It sits in an area known for its diverse fruit production and earned a reputation for producing high-quality cherries.
Our Kent farms produce the nation's favourite cherries year upon year in a spectacular array of popular varieties to please every palette. You can view our varieties below and learn more about what makes them so great.
