US: Locals get fresh pick of Oregon cherries
For two growers, Orchard View Farms of The Dalles, and Blue Mountain Growers, Inc. of Milton-Freewater, a big harvest and good quality fruit signal the season is off to a sweet start.
"We are lucky to live in an area that offers the perfect climate for growing cherries," said Orchard View Farms' president Brenda Thomas. "We have the opportunity to grow and eat the best of the best."
The farm is a fourth-generation, family-owned-and-operated cherry producer with over 2,000 acres spanning four counties. A mix of several cherry varieties, locations and unique microclimates allows for a longer-than-average growing season extending from June to mid-August. During harvest, staff handpicks cherries and ships them to the nearby packing facility within two hours, and to local retailers within two days.
"Cherries are already ripe when picked and are best eaten right off the tree, so the shorter the time period between harvest and eating the better," said Thomas.
Blue Mountain Growers General Manager Justin Brunson agrees, "When you purchase locally grown cherries you are getting them in peak condition, which makes for an excellent eating experience."
A cooperative since 1927, Blue Mountain Growers support small, family farmers and large commercial enterprises in Oregon and southeastern Washington. They grow a variety of cherries, but Brunson notes the gold standard is still the Bing, which appears in stores mid-season with its firm, bright red flesh and traditional sweet cherry flavor.
"Some cherry varieties harvest early, while others harvest late. Each has its own unique growing and harvesting cycle, which means a longer cherry season," said Brunson. "Early-ripening Chelans harvest first and taste similar to Bings, while late season Sweethearts have a wonderful mellow sweetness and are nice and firm — we have a cherry to suit everyone's taste."
When selecting cherries, look for fruit with bright, blemish-free skin and intact stems. Cherries can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. For more intense flavor, leave them at room temperature for a few hours and rinse with cool water before eating. Fresh cherries should be eaten within four days.
Oregon is the nation's third largest cherry producer, growing 11 percent of the U.S. crop. Among the varieties offered are the dark, sweet Benton, Bing, Chelan, Early Robin, Index, Lambert, Lapin, Regina, Royal Ann, Skeena, Sweetheart and Vans, as well as the extraordinarily sweet yellow-blush Rainier.
Look for these fresh local cherries at Safeway, Fred Meyer, Zupan's, Thriftway and other fine stores.
The Oppenheimer Group is a full-service fresh produce marketing and distribution company based in Vancouver, B.C. that brings quality fruits and vegetables to market in partnership with growers throughout the world.
Source: www.melodika.net