What is it?

If you’re a cherry lover, June is your jackpot. For what seems like only a moment, they’re everywhere—at the farmers’ market, in grocery stores, and at farmstands.

在大多数的部分country you’ll find two types of sweet cherries:

Bing cherries, which were first cultivated in the 19th century in Oregon, are the most common sweet variety. They’re grown mostly in the Pacific Northwest, with a peak season from early June through mid-August. A deep mahogany red, Bings darken as they ripen, so the darker the cherry, the sweeter the fruit.
Rainier cherrieshave a creamy yellow and red blush coloring. Often, you’ll find them with some skin discoloration and brown spotting (which indicates a high sugar content), but avoid fruit that appears to be decaying. Not only are Rainiers sweeter than Bings, they’re also more delicate and have a slightly shorter season.

How to choose:

Look for firm, glossy cherries. The greener the stem of the cherry, the fresher it is. Avoid cherries that are sticky or leaking. Unripe cherries are smaller, lighter in color, and less juicy; they don’t ripen after picking.

How to prep:

Before using, wash and spread them on a clean dishtowel to dry (or lightly rub them with the towel).

How to store:

Store cherries uncovered at room temperature overnight or for up to five days in the refrigerator.

Recipes

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  Recipe

  No-Bake Almond Cheesecake with Cherry-Kirsch Compote

  Cherries and almonds are a classic combination. In this creamy no-bake cheesecake, a swirl of cherry juice on the top makes this dessert a real showstopper.

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  Recipe

  Sweet Cherry Sheet Pan Pie

  Summer means fresh cherries are in season, so a juicy, sweet cherry pie is in order. Here, a lattice top gives this pie a classic look.

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  Recipe

  Bourbon-Macerated核果

  By soaking in spirits, stone fruit becomes something new, a complex mingling of flavors and textures. The fruit and liquid have many uses: a tasty dessert on its own topped with…

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  Recipe

  Amber Ale Lentil Salad with Hazelnuts and Cherries

  The nutty notes of a mild ale play well with those in the lentils and hazelnuts, while cherries and parsley add bright contrast to this hearty side dish. It’s a…

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  Recipe

  Classic Panna Cotta with Brandied Cherry Sauce

  Light and simple, panna cotta is all about texture. It should be a bit wobbly on the plate, and then melt quickly in your mouth. The sauce is inspired by…

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  Recipe

  Hemingway Special

  Created for the daiquiri-loving expat Ernest Hemingway at El Floridita in Havana, this cocktail (also called a Papa Doble) was originally made without any sugar and with twice the rum.…

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  Recipe

  Strawberry Jam

  Spread this jam on bread with almond butter for a delicious PB&J. Try adding 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking the fruit. Be careful not…

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  Recipe

  White Forest Cake

  This impressive spin on a Black Forest cake uses sweet white chocolate instead of dark chocolate. The cake and cherries can be prepared ahead, but the white chocolate mousse has…

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  Recipe

  Cocoa Panna Cotta with Blackberries, Cherries, and Cocoa Clove Cookies

  Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert made with milk and cream, lightly sweetened with sugar, and thickened with gelatin. It doesn’t contain eggs but has the silky smooth qualities…

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  Recipe

  Pulled Slow-Cooker Chicken with Cherry-Chile Barbecue Sauce

  This fresh seasonal sauce—so good you’ll be glad to have leftovers—features less sugar than traditional barbecue sauces. Serve the moist, flavorful chicken on warmed burger buns. Wear rubber gloves when…