Rainier cherries distinguish themselves from all other cherry varieties by the color of their skin. Their coloring exhibits layers of golden hues blushed with tones of pink and red, an unequivocally unique facade. Their shape is quintessential cherry: plump, rounded, and slightly heart-shaped with a dimple at the stem end. Small in size. The flesh is a pale golden color with red streaks near the skin and seed. The flavor of Rainier cherries is sweet and tart. These cherries are very fragile and will bruise easily during transit. Don't be alarm if there is small bruising on these cherries.
Details
Fruit: Cherry
Variety: Rainier
Farm: Frog Hollow Farm
What Are They? Cross between Brook and Van.
Origins/History: It was developed in 1952 at Washington State University by Harold Fogle, and named after Mount Rainier. .The Rainier cherry (named after Mount Rainier) was developed in 1952 by Harold Fogle for Washington State University's breeding program. The fruit was released to the public in 1960. The mother tree which produced the very first Rainier fruits still grows on the same orchard five miles from the University station in Prosser, Washington. Washington state remains the premier growing region for Rainier cherries. Its complex climate contributes to plumper, sweeter cherries than any other growing regions. It is geographically strange that Washington state produces the best Rainier cherries because they are one of the most sensitive cultivars to wind, temperature fluctuation, and rain. Rainier cherries need abundant sunlight, thus cherries are picked from the outside in, as the outer fruit matures first. It is common for a harvester to return to the same tree several times during one season.
Nutritional Value: High in antioxidants and works to reduce inflammation.
How to cut/peel: Remove stem and pit.
Serving Suggestions: Eaten out of hand, enjoy in salads, and use in desserts. Rainier cherries are best for fresh eating or as an ingredient in desserts such as ice cream, cakes, pies, pastries, and tarts. Sweet pairings include other stone fruit, especially apricots and plums, berries, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate and white chocolate, cream, maple, and almond. Complimentary savory pairings include herbs such as basil and arugula, cilantro flowers, hazelnut, pistachio and olive oil, citrus, smoked fish, anchovies, pork, chiles, ginger, pepitas, pine nuts, scallops, fresh cheeses such as chevre and burrata and aged sheep's and cow's milk cheeses.
Because we can't predict all harvest conditions, if we are unable to fulfill this variety for shipment, we will contact you. We're sticklers for quality and want to make certain you get the best cherries there are!
